Algol 68 for OS/2

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE COMPILERS ANNOUNCE...


                *********************
                * ALGOL 68 FOR OS/2 *
                *********************


ALGOL 68 pioneered many facilities that are still considered state of
the art in modern programming languages. Algol 68 is designed to aid the
programmer in writing correct and intelligible programs leading to
shorter development cycles, fewer hidden bugs in the product and easier
maintenance. OS/2 programmers can now take advantage of this quality
language.


What's in Algol 68 ?
====================


*) General purpose algorithmic language with a clean consistent and
      unambiguous syntax.


*) Comprehensive fully-checked type-system covering structures, unions,
      pointers, arrays and procedures.


*) Procedures may be nested inside procedures and can deliver values of
      any type without you having to worry about where the storage is
      coming from.


*) Anonymous routines can be used in any context (similar to
      lambda-expressions).


*) User-defined operators including user-defined operator symbols.


*) Powerful control structures can deliver values of any type.


*) Typed dynamic memory allocation with transparent garbage collection.


*) Unions inherently know their current type.


*) Dynamic sized arrays know their current bounds.


*) Good string handling via flexible arrays of characters.


*) Array and structure displays can be used in any context.


*) Advanced handling of arrays of any rank such as slicing.


*) Parallel programming with semaphores.


*) Complex arithmetic


*) Declarations can be interleaved with statements.


*) Coercions automatically insert obvious operations such as
      pointer-following and integer to real conversions.


*) Clear distinction between value semantics and reference semantics.


*) No distinction between compile-time constants and run-time values.


*) Modular programming with information hiding and type checking.


Why use OCCL Algol 68 on OS/2 ?
===============================


*) Efficient 32-bit code with extensive optimisations including inline
      expansion of procedure calls.


*) Language support for OS/2 multi-tasking threads via parallel clauses.


*) Run-time error checking of array subscripts and the use of NIL references
      to prevent accidental corruption of data. Redundant error checks are
      removed by extensive compile-time analysis.
      Production code can remove the checks or provide a replacement error
      handler.


*) No performance penalty for using high-level constructs instead of
      expanding as low-level constructs --- indeed the code will often be better.


*) Fast storage allocation and fast garbage collection means the heap can be
      used freely. The heap can be monitored during the program to allow
      action to be taken before available storage is exhausted.


*) 32, 64 and 80-bit real numbers with IEEE support


*) Programs composed from large libraries automatically include only those
      procedures (and other global declarations) actually needed.


*) Compilation management tool recompiles modules when source files change and
      dependent modules only when interfaces change --- a secure and automatic
      replacement for `make'.


*) The compilation tool also provides housekeeping facilities such
      as cross-referencing.


*) Programs composed from large library modules automatically include only
      those procedures (and other global declarations) actually referenced.


*) Powerful debugger with extensive support for debugging Algol 68 programs
      including a separate OS/2 session for the debuggee, breakpoints,
      macros, formatted memory display and stack traces.


*) Common compiler technology with N.A.Software's Fortran90+ allowing
      secure typed calls to libraries from this compiler.


*) Controlled interface to libraries from other, type insecure,
      languages.


*) Tool to convert C header files to modules wrapping a C library.


*) Mature professional compiler with a pedigree of 15 years development
      behind it. Users of previous versions of the compiler include
      Universities, government research labs, hospitals and telecoms
      worldwide.


What libraries are provided ?
=============================


*) Standard I/O facilities.


*) Maths functions including complex transcendentals.


*) String support and SNOBOL-like pattern matching.


*) Strong-typed binary files similar to persistent objects
      - with viewer.


*) Discrete event simulation.


*) Prototype support for OS/2 Presentation Manager (under continuing
      development).


System Requirements
===================


*) IBM-compatible PC with a 386 or better running OS/2 2+.


*) 8Mb or more memory recommended.


*) Approx 10Mb disk space for compiler, tools and sources + approx 16Mb
      swap space.


Package Contents
================


*) Compiler and tools.


*) Library sources.


*) Example sources.


*) Online documentation in .INF format.


*) Free technical support via email.


Available now at a special introductory offer of UKP290+VAT for a
single-user licence with a royalty-free runtime. Please ask for
details of site licences and educational discounts.


A white paper on Algol 68 for OS/2 is available - please ask us for it!
Please state which format you prefer: HTML (viewable with
IBM WebExplorer, Mosaic, etc), OS/2 INF (online hypertext), TeX DVI
or printed paper. For INF and DVI versions please also specify either
UUencoding or XXencoding.


Algol 68 will shortly be available for other operating-systems on IBM PCs,
and also for SPARC processors and for Inmos Transputers (T800 & T9000).
For details of future products and for release dates for other
platforms, please ask to be put on our mailing list.


Contact Oxford and Cambridge Compilers on (+44) 01223 572074
or email to enquiries@occl-cam.demon.co.uk
or write to
        Oxford and Cambridge Compilers Ltd
        55 Brampton Road
        Cambridge
        CB1 3HJ
        UK
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