Empirical and formal language design applied to a unified control construct for interactive computing

Abstract

This paper reports the results of the application of both empirical and formal methods to the design of a proposed unified control construct for interactive computing. The empirical method is based on the use of controlled experiments on programming behavior to investigate alternative language constructs. The formal method requires the precise specification of language constructs in order to expose strengths, weakness, and inconsistencies. Insights gained, that were not obvious from mere observation and introspection, are reported and supporting data for design decisions is presented.