An automatic decision-logic-table processor

Abstract

The value of decision-logic-tables as a tool for computer programming has been brought forth by the development of several programming languages. The well-known decision-logic-table programming languages are designed as input to translators. Instead of converting the input decision-logic tables to an executable form, these translators convert the source program to some other well-known language, such as Fortran. The appropriate compiler then converts the resulting source-language program to an executable form.The DEcision Logic TAble programming language, Delta, described here, is an automatic decision table processor, eliminating the need to translate the input into some intermediate source language. Basic features of decision-logic tables are used as a foundation for Delta. The syntax of Delta is similar to that of PL/I. Although Delta is limited in scope, it is expandable. Derived from the Purdue University Fast Fortran Translator, Pufft, the Delta processor performs both a syntax analysis and generates code, in one pass. The code generated is not machine language, but is an internal representation of the object language program.