A Comparison of List-Processing Computer Languages

Daniel Gureasko Bobrow, Bertram Raphael

ResearchPublished 1963

A detailed comparison of COMIT, IPL-V, LISP 1.5, and SLIP — four well-known list-processing computer languages which, among them, exhibit all the principal characteristics of existing list-processing languages. Important common features of list-processing languages are reviewed, and principal differences between the four languages are detailed. Arough comparison shows that the languages discussed are all of apporximately the same speed. Some heuristics are given to aid in the selection of one of these languages for use in particular problem applications, concluding that no one of the languages considered is distinctly superior to all possible list-processing applications. A detailed comparison of COMIT, IPL-V, LISP 1.5, and SLIP — four well-known list-processing computer languages which, among them, exhibit all the principal characteristics of existing list-processing languages. Important common features of list-processing languages are reviewed, and principal differences between the four languages are detailed. A rough comparison shows that the languages discussed are all of approximately the same speed. Some heuristics are given to aid in the selection of one of these languages for use in particular problem applications, concluding that no one of the languages considered is distinctly superior to all possible list-processing applications.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1963
  • Pages: 44
  • Document Number: RM-3842-PR

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Bobrow, Daniel Gureasko and Bertram Raphael, A Comparison of List-Processing Computer Languages. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1963. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3842.html.
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