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Away from the operations view of computer science

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Wadge, W. W. (1978) Away from the operations view of computer science. Coventry, UK: Department of Computer Science..

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Abstract

We argue that c1assical programming languages are based on a fundamentally mistaken emphasis on the operational aspect of computation. These languages are seen as the means by which the programmer brings about particular kinds of operational activity (such as procedure calling or message passing). We suggest an alternate philosophy which places the emphasis on static, extensional (mathematical) concepts such as that of function or sequence. We define a simple functional language (Luswim) based on the principles. The Luswim programmer specifies the desired output, and operational concepts such as data flow message passing or coroutine linkage can be used to evaluate the specification. Operational activity occupies its proper place, namely as means to an end rather than an end in itself.

Item Type: Report
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 (Please use QA76 Electronic Computers. Computer Science)
Divisions: Faculty of Science > Computer Science
Publisher: Department of Computer Science
Place of Publication: Coventry, UK
Date: November 1978
Identification Number: CS-RR-026
Institution: University of Warwick
Theses Department: Department of Computer Science
Status: Not Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Open Access
Related URLs:
URI: http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/46322

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