BCPL: The Language and its Compiler

by Martin Richards, Colin Whitby-Strevens

Overview

BCPL is a simple systems programming language with a portable compiler that has been implemented on many machines from large mainframes to mini computers and microprocessors. The book provides an introduction to the language, paying particular attention to programming style. In addition, it covers the more machine-independent parts of the BCPL library and outlines various debugging aids that most implementations provide. The syntax analysis phase of the compiler is described in detail, giving a realistic example of a typical application of the language. This and other substantial examples given in the book will be of interest both to serious users of BCPL and to computer writers. There is a chapter concerned with the portability code generator design. The reference for BCPL appears as the final chapter.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521286817
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/31/1981
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.43(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword; 1. The BCPL philosophy; 2. The main features of BCPL; 3. Advanced facilities; 4. The library, language extensions, and machine independence; 5. Debugging and error handling; 6. The BCPL lexical and syntax analyser; 7. Computer portability; 8. Language definition; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Review of the hardback: 'There can be little doubt that this book will rightly be the choice of anyone who wishes to learn BCPL…' Computer Bulletin

From the Publisher