Programming — ALGOL

Programming — ALGOL describes the basics of computer programming using Algol. Commands that could be added to Algol and could increase its scope are described, including multiplication and division and the use of brackets. The idea of labeling or naming a command is also explained, along with a command allowing two alternative results. Most of the important features of Algol syntax are discussed, and examples of compound statements (that is, sets of commands enclosed by a begin ... end command) are given. Comprised of 11 chapters, this book begins with an introduction to the digital computer and how it works using a list of instructions known as a program. The "punched-tape" method of feeding information into a computer is described together with the flexowriter. The next chapter provides an overview of Algol by studying a very simple program and comparing it with the same sequence of instructions written in normal English. The third chapter is about building a program, first by increasing the complexity of the actual computation and then economizing on memory stores. Subsequent chapters focus on how computer programs can be built up of simple commands; labeling or naming a command; facilities in the Algol language which allow the addition of a second alternative command to an if ... then statement; and the use of a flow diagram to translate a problem into Algol. The final chapter examines the method of running a program on a computer. This monograph will be of interest to computer programmers.