On-line FORTRAN for the PDP

Abstract

Generally, writing programs for most small data acquisition computers is difficult and time consuming. In part, this has been due to the unavailablity of interpretive languages, since they have been unusable when many special input-output operations are needed. Recent changes in the PDP-8 family FORTRAN compiler permit such experiments now to be written in FORTRAN, at a great saving of programming and debugging time, while gaining substantial power in terms of logical control. A typical experiment is described in some detail, with an event-time flowchart of its operation. A flowchart of a FOR TRAN program and the program itself are presented to illustrate how the system accomplishes tasks necessary for the design. A brief description is given of the interface components needed for the experiment. Both the specific program described and the concepts illustrated are applicable to other experimental paradigms. © 1970 Psychonomic Society, Inc.