Programme Design for the C.S.I.R.O. Mark I Computer. II. Programme Techniques

Abstract

The general structure of typical programmes is considered in relation to the structure of the computer, in particular to its facilities which tend to render programmes invariant with regard to their position in the store. Full-scale programmes are constructed by piecing together by a master programme a suitable selection of items from a library of "standard routines". The library contains "sub-routines" which are completely self-contained and require no additional information for their operation and are invariant with respect to their position in the store, and "routines" which are not so invariant and frequently require additional data to be provided during their entry into the store. The entry of special data for routines and the simplification of the construction of the master programme are facilitated by a special routine used whilst the entire programme is being entered into the store.