Intermediate language for minicomputer cross-compilation

With the increasing use of minicomputers, the concept of cross-compilation (source program translated by one machine which in turn outputs object code for another machine) has become popular. This paper examines the use of an intermediate language, a concept long considered for full scale machines, as a tool to reduce duplication of effort and encourage communication between cross-compiler writers. This paper examines past attempts for intermediate languages, reviews the special requirements that minicomputers may have, and makes suggestions for a universal minicomputer oriented language.