GE 235 System Manual page 11

PROGRAMMING AIDS
The General Electric Computer Department has developed a large library of programming aids to
help the programmer communicate with the GE-235 and simplify the task of producing useful results
from the computer. This section describes some of the available programming tools: compilers,
generators and special programs designed to enhance the use of the GE-235 information processing
system.
GECOM, THE GENERAL COMPILER
The General Compiler (GECOM) System introduces a fresh, versatile approach to computer com-
munication. This exclusive General Electric product makes available in one package both proved
and newly developed programming techniques. GECOM accepts many languages, s o problem state-
ments may be written in familiar terminology. The source languages available to the General
Compiler a r e broad and comprehensive.
GECOM will process English language sentences (COBOL-type statements), algebraic expressions
(ALGOL-type statements), structured decision tables (TABSOL), and a language for report gener-
ation.
The u s e r may select only that portion of the system applicable to his needs, using any
combination of the language features f o r any specificprogram run. Because the machine coding is
derived directly from the logic of the problem statement, program check-out on the GE-235 may be
done a t the logic level.
Because GECOM problems a r e written in familiar languages, they can be more easily read and
understood. In addition, program format provides a high degree of standardization. The selected
approach allows the u s e r to accommodate the more important common coding languages and still
incorporate l a t e r changes conveniently. Several distinct advantages over manual programming
methods can be realized.
GECOM automatically produces a documented record of the program i t produces. A permanent
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record of the program, in i t s original source language form and with a detailed listing of i t s trans-
formation to machine instructions, is available for reference, revision, o r augmentation.
Because plans call f o r implementing GECOM on the General Electric family of general-purpose
computers, programming conversion costs a r e reduced a s installationsoutgrow their present com-
puter equipment.
Using familiar language sharply reduces personnel training time and expense. Manual coding is
eliminated and debugging cut to a minimum. ~ h u s , a machine program m a y be produced quickly and
efficiently.
COBOL came into being a s a result of a conference on Data Systems Languages sponsored by the
U. S. Department of Defense. Computer manufacturers and u s e r s developed the language called
COBOL (Common Business g r i e n t e d Language) to achieve standardization of data processing
languages. C O B O ~ reduces progra&ing effort and achieves a more effective utilization of
computers. The language f i r s t available with the General Compiler is based primarily on COBOL,