A mechanized translation capability for foreign-language cobol programs
Stuart S. Fink · 1980
The primary purpose of the research was the development of a computerized language translation capability that will permit foreign language COBOL programs to be translated into English for subsequent compilation and execution. The final product is a deck of IBM punched cards comprising the programmed translation logic which is slightly less than two inches in thickness—it easily fits into one's jacket pocket. Yet, distilled into approximately 250 program cards is all the requisite logic enabling the automatic translation of one language into another. Thus the analytical processes, whereby a program analyst conceptualizes the scope of the problem, defines the method of solution and synthesizes this methodology into the program steps necessary to duplicate the manual process, have once again been successfully employed to produce the programmed translation logic. The actual PDE accomplishment is not the narrative that follows (which is considered to be a description of that accomplishment): it is the computer program incorporating the translation logic. Since the majority of the committee is not conversant with data processing concepts, the normal program documentation (i.e., program listing, flow chart, operating instructions, etc.) does not adequately convey the intended information. Therefore, an additional effort was undertaken to provide the salient program information in a more meaningful form. The narrative consists of three parts. While the purpose of the research was enumerated in detail in the Learning Agreement, it is restated in the first section of the narrative. The second section of the narrative describes the methodology employed and the reasons for incorporating it. While there is a degree of precision and conciseness provided by the program listing, the narrative provides a reasonable level of understanding and appreciation of the methodology for the committee. The third section was written to satisfy speculation concerning the broader applicability of the programmed translation logic and is meant merely to provide insight rather than be an exhaustive scholarly treatise. Included as part of the Exhibits at the end of the narrative are the NBS ANSI COBOL specifications (publication FIPS 43) and, pursuant to the Learning Agreement, the French-English translation of the NBS COBOL specifications. The translation is actual computer output. The French reserved words used by the translation have been tabulated and follow the translation. Also included is the computer output of a complete application program that was also translated by the computer.