Five ALGOL Compilers
Brian A. Wichmann · The Computer Journal · 1972
A detailed comparison of the times taken to perform elementary statements in ALGOL 60 has revealed wide differences in performance. An examination of the machine code produced by five compilers (Atlas, KDF9 (Kidsgrove), 1900 (XALT), B5500 and 1108 (Trondheim compiler)) has been undertaken to find the reasons for the disparities. The large range of machine architecture means that very different techniques have been used for code generation. This enables one to give guide lines for a suitable architecture for good ALGOL 60 code generation to be possible.