A command reader for interactive programming

Abstract

A simplified command line reader suitable for building interactive programs based on Fortran 77 is presented. The reader is a 20:1 condensation of the comprehensive command language interpreter CLIP that supports the NICE integrated software system. The present reader, called TinyCLIP. has been prepared to illustrate basic elements of command-driven programming for beginners interested in writing Fortran-based interactive applications software. The reader is table driven. Data lines given to the reader are parsed into items which are stored in a table. The table can be subsequently accessed by the program that processes the commands. Tools for extending the basic language are briefly discussed and specific extensions suggested.