Symbol Manipulation Languages (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Paul W. Abrahams

9780656029648: Symbol Manipulation Languages (Classic Reprint)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0656029641 ISBN 13: 9780656029648

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

View all copies of this ISBN edition

0 Used

2 New

From US$ 39.95

Explore the world of symbol manipulation languages and how they shape computing today.

This concise survey examines major systems like LISP, SNOBOL, SLIP, PL/I, and others, showing how pattern matching and transformation rules drive symbolic work. You’ll see how high‑level languages differ from low‑level ones, and why researchers and programmers cared about these tools in the past—and what they mean for the future.

The book sketches language families, what makes each approach unique, and where each fits in practicing computational tasks such as text processing, list handling, and compiler work. It emphasizes ideas like pattern matching, rules, and data structures, while keeping the discussion accessible to readers new to the topic.

Clear explanations of how different symbol manipulation languages work, including their strengths and limitations
Examples that illustrate pattern matching, transformation rules, and data organization
A historical perspective on how these languages influenced later programming concepts
Context for modern readers about where symbol manipulation fits in today’s computing landscape

Ideal for readers curious about the roots of symbolic computing and how early languages shaped current approaches to data transformation and language design.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.