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BCPL: The Language and its Compiler
BCPL is a simple systems programming language with a portable compiler that has been implemented on many machines from large mainframes to mini computers and microprocessors. The book provides an introduction to the language, paying particular attention to programming style. In addition, it covers the more machine-independent parts of the BCPL library and outlines various debugging aids that most implementations provide. The syntax analysis phase of the compiler is described in detail, giving a realistic example of a typical application of the language. This and other substantial examples given in the book will be of interest both to serious users of BCPL and to computer writers. There is a chapter concerned with the portability code generator design. The reference for BCPL appears as the final chapter.
- GenresComputer Science
184 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1981
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November 7, 2015
Published in 1981, I bought this when I saw it mentioned in an article on compilers, and someone mentioned this as being a model of what a book about a computer language should be.
It's interesting to see the way in which this book works, and it's probably a good model for low-level programming. A fascinating insight into a little-used language these days, and still quite readable even if you can't get your head round BCPL. Modern programmers new to antique languages will find it strangely fascinating: no strings, no classes, no memory management. It's about as low level as you can get, and yet there's concepts in there (write once, run anywhere) that are bang up to date in the latest languages.
A fascinating read for anyone seriously interesting in the history of computing.
It's interesting to see the way in which this book works, and it's probably a good model for low-level programming. A fascinating insight into a little-used language these days, and still quite readable even if you can't get your head round BCPL. Modern programmers new to antique languages will find it strangely fascinating: no strings, no classes, no memory management. It's about as low level as you can get, and yet there's concepts in there (write once, run anywhere) that are bang up to date in the latest languages.
A fascinating read for anyone seriously interesting in the history of computing.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review