A Survey of Soviet Work in the Theory of Computer Programming

Robert Di Paola

ResearchPublished 1967

A critical survey of Soviet efforts to develop a mathematical theory of computer programming and automatic programming methods (PP or programming programs). The study traces the development of the "operator" theory of A. A. Lyapunov and his associates from its starting point in program schemes designed to represent specific problem-solving algorithms to its algebraic formulation in terms of the theory of categories. Other authors have attempted to adapt graph theory and the theory of algorithms to the construction of better programming languages. In contrast to FORTRAN, the practical result of PP has been to raise, rather than lower, the level of technical knowledge required for programming. Current Soviet research is directed toward adaptation and extension of ALGOL 60 rather than further theoretical work. Some of the Russian work, however, may be of practical relevance, particularly Glebov's synthesis of operators from measurably simpler ones.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1967
  • Pages: 144
  • Document Number: RM-5424-PR

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Di Paola, Robert, A Survey of Soviet Work in the Theory of Computer Programming. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1967. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM5424.html.
BibTeX RIS

This publication is part of the RAND research memorandum series. The research memorandum series, a product of RAND from 1948 to 1973, included working papers meant to report current results of RAND research to appropriate audiences.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.