Waterloo BASIC for VM/CMS and MVS/TSO

Software Description


Waterloo BASIC Compiler

Waterloo BASIC is an incremental compiler implemented for System/370 architecture machines running VM/SP CMS and MVS/TSO. Waterloo BASIC combines the inherent simplicity of the original Dartmouth BASIC with enhancements for structured programming, powerful string-handling capabilities and the interactive nature of incremental compilation. The result is a system which promotes the use of modern program design techniques, making it an ideal tool for introductory courses in computing and for the development of application systems.

Waterloo BASIC Optimizer

The Waterloo BASIC Optimizer is a post-processor for programs compiled using the Waterloo BASIC Compiler. It may be used to increase the performance of production programs. Experimental results indicate that most programs execute at least twice as fast using the Optimizer.

Optimized programs function identically to compiled programs. The same error diagnosis is performed when an optimized program is executed.

The size of an optimized file is smaller than the corresponding size of a compiled program. This reduces disk space requirements as well as program load time.

The Waterloo BASIC Optimizer is useful in environments where programs are executed many times without change or where programs perform a large amount of computation.

Features of the Waterloo BASIC Compiler

Comprehensive diagnostics, interactive debugging and simple operational characteristics promote student self-help and ease of use.

Documentation

The Waterloo BASIC Primer and Reference Manual (Graham, Welch and McPhee; ISBN 0-919884-22-9; WATCOM Publications, 1983) is the primary reference for Waterloo BASIC. The text consists of two major components: a primer which provides a basic introduction to the language, and a reference manual which comprehensively defines the syntax and semantics of the Waterloo BASIC language.