Comparing Pascal and Modula-2 as systems programming languages

Pieter H. Hartel

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    Abstract

    The high-level programming languages Pascal [JEN76] and Modula-2 [WIR82] are evaluatedas tools lor system programming. The construction of operating system utilities in Pascal is the focal point of the first part of the paper. Pascal is shown to be adequate for this limited class of applications, on the condition that the program development system provides enough support. The basis of the development system described here is formed by the POST library, a model of Control Data Corporation's Cyber operating system NOS/BE, written in Pascal. Although the class of problems addressed can be solved with Pascal, a language like Modula-2 with features such as separate compilation and low-level programming support is better suited to serve as an operating system implementation language. To illustrate this, some Pascal programming examples were rewritten. The reader is assumed to have a working knowledge of both Pascal and Modula-2.
    Original languageUndefined
    Title of host publicationProgramming languages and systems design
    EditorsJ. Bormann
    Place of PublicationAmsterdam
    PublisherNorth Holland
    Pages187-198
    Number of pages12
    ISBN (Print)0 444 86794 5
    Publication statusPublished - Mar 1983
    EventProgramming languages and systems design - Dresden, East Germany
    Duration: 1 Mar 19831 Mar 1983

    Publication series

    Name
    PublisherNorth-Holland

    Conference

    ConferenceProgramming languages and systems design
    Period1/03/831/03/83

    Keywords

    • IR-56044
    • EWI-1282

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