The foundations of a theory of data processing
Thomas B. Steel · 1961
Until quite recently the only serious effort to develop a comprehensive theoretical formulation of the science of data processing, apart from purely linguistic considerations, has been the establishment of the theory of automata in the framework of mathematical logic. Although having undoubted intrinsic merit, this study has rarely, if ever, provided insights into the practical, day-to-day problem of applied data processing. This situation may not persist forever, but it is clear that, at present, a large gap exists between the abstract machine of theory and the real machine of the shop.