A compiler writer's wishbook for operating systems

Abstract

I have recently completed the initial version of a PL/I compiler for the Control Data 6600. The compiler is itself written in PL/I, and has been bootstrapped via the IBM 560. The present version is a compiler-writing subset, and work is now underway in extending this subset towards the full PL/I language. The nature of this project has forced me to deal with two different operating systems, OS/360 and 6600 SCOPE. As a consequence I have become acutely aware of the strengths and shortcomings of these systems, and of the kinds of facilities that would have made my job much easier. Most of my observations are applicable to any large, complex program; a few of them are concerned with compilerwriting specifically.