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Chapter 3: Procedure Description

[page 35]

Introduction

This chapter is concerned with the verbs and commands which are presently a part of the procedure vocabulary of the Commercial Translator language. The verbs fall into two main categories. Most of them are used in commands that state the data processing steps to be performed, and thus they are called "program" verbs. The other category includes the "processor" verbs; these verbs are used in the processor-directing commands.

Verbs

The list of verbs is given below. The organization of this chapter is based on the classification shown in the list:

Program Verbs

OPEN     \
GET       |  Input/Output
FILE      |
CLOSE    /

MOVE        Data Transmission

SET      \
ADD      /  Arithmetic

GO TO    \
DO        |  Control
STOP     /

LOAD      \
DISPLAY   /  Miscellaneous

Processor Verbs

OVERLAP
BEGIN SECTION
END
INCLUDE
CALL
NOTE
ENTER

The Commercial Translator system is designed as an "open-ended" programming system. That is, the list of verbs and associated commands is never closed. The processors are so constructed as to permit the introduction of new verbs and commands when required.

Commands

Most of the discussion in this chapter is concerned with commands. Each verb in the preceding list forms the basis for a particular type of command; accordingly, the various commands can be classified as either program commands or processor commands. A command normally consists of a verb followed by one or more operands and may be written as an imperative clause or as a sentence.