A modest proposal for vector extensions to algol

Abstract

Machines that possess instructions that are actually "higher level" than high-level language statements require extensions to traditional programming language. This paper explores the kinds of extensions necessary for adequate access to the CDC STAR instruction set. Specific problem areas considered are: access to the vector instructions, definition of descriptors, support of the variety of hardware data-types, and facilities for memory and register management. It is fairly straightforward to define language facilities to cover most of these problems with minimum disruption of existing language features. Informal descriptions are given for syntactic and semantic extensions to ALA, an ALGOL based language. Features include declaration and usage of vector and descriptor variables, generation of vector values, subscripting slicing, and procedure linkage. The language constructs described are not limited in application to either the STAR or ALA. They should be easily adaptable to other languages an machines where vector constructs would enhance programming power.