Input-output translation in the SHARE 709 system

Abstract

From the outset it was agreed that the SHAP~ 709 System should contain some provision for input and output translation at the program execution or customer level° The real problem came in determining for what needs the specifications should supply a solution° Should general input and output routines conserve space or time? Should a general input routine be set up to anticipate fixed or variable field formats in the input data card? These and many other questions cannot be answered to the satisfaction of everyone° )%ny of the answers depend upon the particular computing installation being asked -~ its past experiences its policies~ and the components which will make up its particular 709~ Clearly~ one general input program and one general output program would not satisfy even a ~nall fraction of the potential users of the system®