Showing papers on "Software portability published in 1986"

The current status and portability of our sequence handling software

Abstract: I describe the current status of our sequence analysis software. The package contains a comprehensive suite of programs for managing large shotgun sequencing projects, a program containing 61 functions for analysing single sequences and a program for comparing pairs of sequences for similarity. The programs that have been described before have been improved by the addition of new functions and by being made very much easier to use. The major interactive programs have 125 pages of online help available from within them. Several new programs are described including screen editing of aligned gel readings for shotgun sequencing projects; a method to highlight errors in aligned gel readings, new methods for searching for putative signals in sequences. We use the programs on a VAX computer but the whole package has been rewritten to make it easy to transport it to other machines. I believe the programs will now run on any machine with a FORTRAN77 compiler and sufficient memory. We are currently putting the programs onto an IBM PC XT/AT and another micro running under UNIX.

Retargetable high-level alias analysis

Abstract: All optimizing compilers must deal with the problem of aliases arising due to the presence of multiple names that reference the same memory areas. Presented in this paper is a staged, high-level alias analysis methodology that provides detailed alias information to a global optimizer implemented at any level in the compilation process. The framework provides easy portability of optimizing compilers to new architectures, as well as the easy addition, of new compilers to an already existing family of optimizing compilers. The method involves the application of a set of language-specific alias rules to the source code in order to gather alias information. A language-independent component then performs a transitive closure of this information and transforms it into a presentation more suitable for use by a global optimizer. Each stage of the methodology is detailed. Results are given for an implemented family of compilers targeted for a reduced instruction set computer.

ISDN User-Network Interfaces

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the objectives and basic characteristics of the standard ISDN user-network interfaces. These standard interfaces form the basis of many of the essential characteristics of ISDN: terminal portability, the wide range of applications using ISDN, and low cost through high-volume production of standard semiconductor chips. The structure of the interfaces, and the physical applications permitted with the interfaces, are described in some detail. References to sources of more detailed information are provided.

System and control encyclopedia: theory, technology, applications

Abstract: Selection of articles: Aggregation: model simplification. Air traffic control: trends. Auditory system: physiological measurements. Biological measurement: blood pressure. Biotelemetry. Comparison systems. Databases, intelligent. Distributed parameter systems estimation and control: an update. Fault diagnosis: model-based techniques. Freeway network control. Fuzzy logic control. Hardware description languages. Information management. Information structuring by hypertext. Knowledge engineering. Logic programming. Multidimensional systems: modelling. Natural language processing. Nervous system. Neural nets for associative memories. Neural nets in control systems. Nonlinear effects. Nuclear reactors: modelling. Olfactory measurements and modelling. Petri nets in discrete production systems. Plant control: data management. Power electronics systems: petri-net modelling. Programming languages, procedural. Programming, object-oriented. Qualitative reasoning for dynamical systems simulation. Rail traffic control: expert systems approach. Railroad systems: active control. Real-time control software. Robust stability and robust stable control. Simulation, object oriented. Simulation modelling formalism: multibond graphs. Software engineering environments. Software fault tolerance. Software lifecycles. Software portability. Software requirements capture. Tactile measurements and modelling. Task scheduling (computing). Traffic control systems in Japan. Traffic simulation: queuing theory applications. Urban traffic simulation: software environments. Virtual machines. Wave propagation in periodic structures.

Poker on the Cosmic Cube: The First Retargetable Parallel Programming Language and Environment.

Abstract: : This paper describes a technique for retargetting Poker, the first complete parallel programming environment, to new parallel architectures. The specifics are illustrated by describing the retarget of Poker to CalTech's Cosmic Cube. Poker requires only three features from the target architecture: MIMD operation, message passing inter-process communication, and a sequential language (e.g. C) for the processor elements. In return Poker gives the new architecture a complete parallel programming environment which will compile Poker parallel programs without modification, into efficient object code for the new architecture. Keywords: Poker parallel programming; Software portability.

Portability of C programs and the UNIX system

Abstract: Computer programs are portable to the extent that they can be moved to new computing environments with much less effort than it would take to rewrite them. In the limit, a program is perfectly portable if it can be moved at will with no change whatsoever. Recent C language extensions have made it easier to write portable programs. Some tools have also been developed that aid in the detection of nonportable constructions. With these tools many programs have been moved from the PDP-11 on which they were developed to other machines. In particular, the UNIX∗ operating system and most of its software have been transported to the Interdata 8/32. The source-language representation of most of the code involved is identical in all environments.

Software engineering: an emerging discipline

Abstract: Software engineering is an emerging discipline whose goal is to produce reliable software products in cost-effective manner. This discipline is evolving rapidly as the challenges faced by its practitioners keep extending their skills. This paper gives a quick tour of the main ideas and thrusts that have driven software engineering in its first 25 years and attempts to look ahead at the next set of advances.

EPIC - a retargetable, highly optimizing Lisp compiler

Abstract: The Experimental Portable Standard Lisp Compiler (EPIC) is a compiler testbed for experimentation with, and development of, Lisp compilation strategies. EPIC uses an architectural description of the target machine to increase portability, and performs extensive optimizations in the form of source-to-source transformations, register allocation, and peephole optimization. It introduces machine-specific instructions early to enable machine-specific optimizations in the initial passes. EPIC produces better code than the original Portable Standard Lisp compiler, has an improved portability model, and is easier to maintain.

Automating the Computation of Solutions of Large Economic Models

Abstract: The computer implementation of any large economic model is usually a very expensive and time consuming task. This paper describes a software package, called GEMPACK, which is being developed specifically to reduce dramatically the research time, effort and cost required to set up one solution method (the Johansen method) on a computer. Existing features of GEMPACK are described in detail, as are developments planned for the near future. The software is model-independent, in that it works for a wide class of economic models, irrespective of the form of the equations or underlying theory. GEMPACK is portable to most mini and main-frame computers, because it has been written in ANSI standard FORTRAN 77, with such portability as a primary requirement.

Interactive Fortran for Power Engineering Education

Abstract: The advantages and disadvantages of FORTRAN are described in relation to engineering education. The development of personal computers with an attendant emphasis on interactive capabilities and screen graphics is discussed together with the lack of these features in current versions of FORTRAN. A set of FORTRAN callable routines is described which has been developed to provide these interactive and graphing features. These routines have been written in machine language for Intel 8086 compatible microprocessors for efficiency and a high degree of portability. The ease with which these routines may be used is demonstrated with an example commonly used in electric power engineering.

Software tools for the development of pictorial information systems in medicine—the ISQL experience

Abstract: While hardware components for pictorial information systems gradually become available, software has not been developed to a great extend. This paper presents a software approach based on upgrading a conventional data base management system by features for image management and the corresponding language tool (ISQL). After a brief overview of existing image data base software, requirements are defined. The concepts for meeting these requirements are derived and their realization in a prototype system is described. The achieved properties include integration into a department and hospital information system, management of images, support of human-computer interaction and adaptability to special user environments. It is argued that the described tool ISQL with its properties of high portability (implementation in PASCAL, use of SQL) and the high level language approach (ISQL) can decisively facilitate software development for pictorial information systems.

Design Guidelines for Expert Systems

Abstract: Knowledge based expert systems are applicable to a wide range of engineering problems ranging from formation to derivation. At the formation end of the spectrum, design, planning and prediction have been identified as generic tasks with similar issues that are dealt with by experts, and need to be formalized for successful expert system implementation. At the derivation end, diagnosis, interpretation and monitoring have been identified as generic tasks with similar subproblems with which experts must cope. At the implementation level, four levels of programming have been identified: logic programming, production system programming, object oriented programming and hybrid programming. The following tentative guidelines are offered to aid an expert system architect in developing a system as efficiently and effectively as possible: Define the expert domain and the eventual environment of the implementation. Ensure that the domain is well defined and there is a wealth of information and, more importantly, expertise. Start at the highest programming level possible. For derivation type problems, rule based systems (or hybrid rule based systems) offer a number of advantages. For diagnostic problems, the EMYCIN model is particularly adaptable. Monitoring and interpretation problems can also be adapted to the EMYCIN model. For formation problems, object oriented code (or hybrid object-oriented systems) offer some distinct advantages. Production systems offer a number of advantages to both formation and derivation problems including modularity and portability.

Large Scale Portability of Hospital Information System Software

Abstract: As part of its Decentralized Hospital Computer Program (DHCP) the Veterans Administration installed new hospital information systems in 169 of its facilities during 1984 and 1985. The application software for these systems is based on the ANS MUMPS language, is public domain, and is designed to be operating system and hardware independent. The software, developed by VA employees, is built upon a layered approach, where application packages layer on a common data dictionary which is supported by a Kernel of software. Communications between facilities are based on public domain Department of Defense ARPA net standards for domain naming, mail transfer protocols, and message formats, layered on a variety of communications technologies.

Portability of computer-based teaching software: ESPE experience

Abstract: The Engineering Science Program Exchange was set up in 1978 to provide an exchange and library service in computer based learning software in engineering. ESPE has a library of over 80 packages and has distributed some 600 copies since inception. Software portability is an essential feature of ESPE activity. Technical portability is discussed, including the establishment of standards for language, graphics and numerical routines. Academic portability is equally important, requiring careful attention to be paid to the academic content and educational philosophy of the material. ESPE experience is presented in all these areas.

Language coprocessor for interpretive execution of modula-2 programs

Abstract: Interpretation as an implementation technique of high-level languages on microprocessors has several advantages, such as an increased interactivity, high portability and extendability. However, it is slow compared to native code execution. In the letter we describe the rationale for, as well as a case study of, a language coprocessor supporting the interpretive execution of high-level languages, in particular Modula-2 programs.

Bedside respiratory analysis by pocket computer.

Abstract: A computer program is presented which analyzes acid-base and respiratory variables. This program's advantages include limited data input, hand-held portability, error identification, and succinct analysis statements. It is a useful adjunct to daily care of the critically ill.

The Force on the Flex: Global Parallelism and Portability

Abstract: A parallel programming methodology, called the force, supports the construction of programs to be executed in parallel by an unspecified, but potentially large, number of processes. The methodology was originally developed on a pipelined, shared memory multiprocessor, the Denelcor HEP, and embodies the primitive operations of the force in a set of macros which expand into multiprocessor Fortran code. A small set of primitives is sufficient to write large parallel programs, and the system has been used to produce 10,000 line programs in computational fluid dynamics. The level of complexity of the force primitives is intermediate. It is high enough to mask detailed architectural differences between multiprocessors but low enough to give the user control over performance. The system is being ported to a medium scale multiprocessor, the Flex/32, which is a 20 processor system with a mixture of shared and local memory. Memory organization and the type of processor synchronization supported by the hardware on the two machines lead to some differences in efficient implementations of the force primitives, but the user interface remains the same. An initial implementation was done by retargeting the macros to Flexible Computer Corporation's ConCurrent C language. Subsequently, the macros were caused to directly produce the system calls which form the basis for ConCurrent C. The implementation of the Fortran based system is in step with Flexible Computer Corporations's implementation of a Fortran system in the parallel environment.

Fortran vs Pascal for Power Engineering Programming under MS-DOS

Abstract: FORTRAN and Pascal are compared for power engineering computer applications using an Intel 8088 based microcomputer running under MS-DOS. The paper compares memory and time characteristics for a small power system problem, as well as language constructs and their implications for program development, modification, and portability.

Toward machine independent microcode

Abstract: This paper shows how both the microcode and the underlying hardware can be described together in a modular fashion in an Ada1-like environment. The description of the hardware uses libraries of component descriptions. The microcode description identifies the machine dependent portions, thus facilitating the portability of machine independent microcode to new architectures.

C-porel——a distributed relational data base management system on microcomputer network

Abstract: In this paper we present a distributed relational data base management system on microcomputer network titled C-POREL. The design and implementation ideas of this system are based on the pioneer distributed data base management systems such as SDD-1, SIRIUSDELTA, ADA-DDM, R~* and especially POREL. The primary goal of C-POREL is practicability, with emphasis as well on the advancement, adaptability and limited portability. The microcomputers MC68000 connected by local network ETHERNET are selected to setup CPOREL. C-POREL is now implemented in the Institute of Mathematics, Academia Sinica,the Department of Computer Science, Shanghai University of Science and Technology and the Department of Computer Science, Normal University of East China.

A Portable Logic Simulation System for Development of FLATS Machine

Abstract: This paper describes a portable logic simulation system PLS, which was used for development of FLATS — a formula manipulation machine consisting of more than 33,000 ECL and partly TTL MSI chips. The themes of this paper are practice and experience in developing such a large machine as FLATS in the research laboratories of the university and the institute. PLS supports two simulation languages, HDL (Hardware Description Language) and SCL (Simulation Control Language). Register-transfer and/or gate level design specifications are written in HDL. SCL describes control information about the simulation. Both descriptions are translated into Fortran and are linked to execute the simulation. The PLS system is implemented mainly in Fortran. Fortran was used for portability and efficiency. PLS checks for several types of illegal specifications globally at compile time and executes one-pass simulation; thereby the execution time is considerably shortened. The system covers a wide area of application and its conciseness facilitates expressing, organizing, and in general, dealing with large digital systems. In the development of FLATS, PLS is also used as a maintenance tool which generates test data to make it possible to compare the simulation results with the status of the actual hardware system. This paper also describes a preprocessor RATFOR-LS, which is an extension of RATFOR in bit-manipulating operations to facilitate describing and simulating computer hardware.

Program Office Guide to Ada. Edition 2

Abstract: : The purpose of the Program Office Guide to Ada is to discuss issues affecting the selection, development, and maintenance of systems whose software is written in the Ada language. Each volume focuses on a different set of topics and their implications for managers. This edition concentrations on: MIL-STD- 2167, MIL-STD-2168, proposal evaluation, reusability, portability, estimating and development efforts, benchmarks, and software libraries. Keywords: Compilers; run time.

Analysis and modeling of pipe line dewatering and start up

Abstract: Although there are many procedures of numerical integration to choose from, emphasis is placed on Runge-Kutta since it is self-starting, in common use and accurate. The fact that it is not as fast as some predictor corrector methods is not as meaningful now with the ready access of microcomputers, any of which have the necessary capacity and language capabilities to solve the problem at hand and provide field portability as well.

Compared anatomy of the programming languages Pascal and C

Abstract: The programming languages PASCAL and C belong to the class of algorithmic compiled languages, and feature comparable facilities. The syntax of C is more regular and enjoys less restrictions than that of PASCAL. Consequently, the syntax of C is significantly simpler than that of the PASCAL language. The design differences are particularly apparent as far as data types, operators, and system interface are concerned. PASCAL implements abstract data types (booleans, sets), whereas C defines data types that reflect the architecture of currently available computers. For PASCAL, the system interface is implemented via functions built in the language and is therefore not extensible by the user. Most of the practical implementations of the language require non standard extensions. In C, system calls and libraries of subroutines and macro instructions are provided to handle the system interface. The portability of applications then depends on the libraries and not on the compiler. A greater flexibility is thus achieved. The use of pointers and the rich set of operators of the C language make it more general than PASCAL, while retaining the principles of structured programming. Separate compilation is a standard feature of C, not of PASCAL. PASCAL compilers are often complex, while C compilers are simple and compact. C compilers include a macro processor, and the program verifier is a separate tool. The application programmers have more responsibility programming in C than in PASCAL, conversely, applications depend less on compilers in C than in PASCAL.

Toward highly portable database system: issues and solutions.

Abstract: : The multi-backend database system (MBDS) is a database system of two or more processors and their dedicated disk subsystems. One of the processor serves as a controller. The rest of the processors and their disks serves as backends to provide the primary and parallel database operations. User access to the MBDS is accomplished either via a host computer which in turn communicates with the controller, or with the MBDS controller directly. The thesis is aimed to examine the portability of MBDS. By downloading the MBDS software form the configuration of VAX and PDP hardware and VMS and RSX operating systems to the configuration of the 32-bit microprocessor-based ISI hardware and UNIX operating system, we hope to determine the necessary amount of hardware-and-operating-system-dependent modifications and resinstrumentations in order to make the downloading successful. The ultimate goal of the thesis is to recommend to the future database-system designer the way to minimize the amount of configuration-dependent software and to strive for a truly and highly portable system to be used on various configurations. This thesis has identified three major portability issues and provided solutions to them. They are the multiple-record template support, the interprocess communication via broadcasting, and the disk I/O for the real-time access.