Tag: Wirth

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L65, a structured language instead of an assembler

HansO

Inspired by the latest work of Niklaus Wirth, his PICL language. I am thinking of designing a new language for my 6502 based machines. Programming the small 6502 machines, like the KIM-1, Micro-KIM or the Apple 1 replica’s for applications suitable for this kind of computer, like I/O contriol and not the generic workstation personal productivity, is either done in higly inefficient Basic or Pascal, with lots of unnecessary overhead or via assembler. The issue here is, that high level langauge are too far removed from the actual CPU. And assembler is the worst kind of programming language thinkable (yes … Continue reading L65, a structured language instead of an assembler

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The school of Niklaus Wirth: The Art of Simplicity

HansO

Got myself an excellent book on the Art of Simplicity. Niklaus Wirth designed programming langauages like Pascal and sequels like Modula-2 and Oberon.  His style and dedication to simplicity in a clear writing and presentation style made a great impression on me. This book gives unique insites in what has happened and is still happening in the school of Niklaus Wirth. Excellent book! From the book’s advertisement:  Niklaus Wirth is one of the great pioneers of computer technology and winner of the ACM’s A.M. Turing Award, the most prestigious award in computer science. he has made substantial contributions to the … Continue reading The school of Niklaus Wirth: The Art of Simplicity

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Pascal-M, software archeology

HansO

In 1978, via the KIM-1 user club, a Pascal compiler written by Mark Rustad, based on the P2 compiler, with a 6502 interpreter by G.J. v.d. Grinten, was given to me. It was a complete package, on a KIM-1 cassette tape, and with rudimentary documentation. Quickly Micro-Ade, the invaluable assembler/editor, was enhanced to edit Pascal program source. The idea was great, the result was terrible: load Micro-Ade, edit a Pascal program, load the interpreter (4K), compiler (19K), compile the program, load the object, and run the program. Of course the compiler would find errors and then the editing and compiling … Continue reading Pascal-M, software archeology