Language Requirements Report.

Abstract : The main purpose of this report is to identify the programming language requirements for the implementation of Army tactical data systems. In addition, language facilities needed for business-oriented management information systems are derived, and are compared with the requirements for tactical systems. The methods employed to identify the needed features include a review of Army responses to questionnaires concerning language requirements; interviews with Army personnel knowledgeable in various tactical systems; and examination of system specifications documents and secondary material. The fundamental result of this study is that, despite some special requirements for programming tactical and MIS systems, there is no inconsistency between the basic language facilities needed for 'general purpose; vs. tactical or MIS programming. In particular, the features described in the DoD High Order Language Working Group's Tinman document are consistent with the needs of tactical and MIS functions, especially with respect to the language goals of reliability and maintainability. (Author)