Premium
Macro SPITBOL—a SNOBOL4 compiler
Author(s) -
Dewar Robert B. K.,
McCann A. P.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
software: practice and experience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1097-024X
pISSN - 0038-0644
DOI - 10.1002/spe.4380070106
Subject(s) - compiler , macro , software portability , computer science , programming language , interpreter , assembly language , garbage collection , scheme (mathematics) , optimizing compiler , code (set theory) , constant (computer programming) , parallel computing , software , garbage , mathematics , mathematical analysis , set (abstract data type)
A fast and compact compiler/interpreter for SPITBOL (a variant of SNOBOL4) has been written in a machine‐independent macro assembly language and implemented initially on the ICL 1900 range of computers. The interpreter uses a novel form of indirect polish code which assists portability. Compile‐time pre‐evaluation of constant expressions has proved to be a worthwhile optimization. A description is given in some detail of the simple but rapid scheme, requiring no marker bits, employed for garbage collection.