ANSI X3/TR-10

Abstract

<strong>OVERVIEW</strong> <br>The purpose of this technical report is to serve as a tutorial for American National Standard APT (ANSI X3.37:199X). Since ANSI X3.37:199X is designed to be a rigorous definition of the APT language, Technical Committee X3J7 created this technical report to illustrate the standard in a more conventional form for both implementors and users. The rigorous metalinguistic style of presenting APT syntax and semantics of the standard has been edited into the style commonly found in published documents of existing systems, In addition, the elements common to a function or area of language, grouped in the Standard as a modular feature, have been collected into appropriate chapters. Although the tutorial is consistent with the standard, it is not intended to be as rigorous or complete as the standard. Therefore, it is important to remember that an APT processor is not necessarily in conformance with the standard simply by performing as implied in this tutorial; that is, if there appears to be a conflict, the Standard is definitive. <br>Chapter 2, The Metalanguage, expands on the description of the metalanguage provided in the standard and is helpful reading for any serious users, implementors, and developers of ANSI X3.37:199)(. Although the basic metalanguage technique has remained constant since the original standard and is expected to be retained in the future, it is anticipated that there will be continued improvement in the presentation of the language used to define APT. It would help any reviewer to read this chapter to better understand the standard. Technical Committee X3J7 suggests that any person who formally asks for an interpretation of ANSI X3.37:199 read this chapter of the tutorial. <br>The chapters on language are tutorials to aid in understanding the language in ANSI X3.37:199 X, not to tutor the part programmer in learning how to use the language. The examples demonstrate practical use of the language. Any extent to which the tutorials aid part programmers in understanding the meaning of American National Standard APT language will enhance their ability to program with skill. Teachers and writers of APT user documentation are expected to respect the copyright of this X3 Technical Report. <br>Each chapter on language is typically organized to cover a body of closely related language, which may or may not be a complete modular feature, and is designed to be complete within itself. When a given body of language is undergoing active development or revision, new or revised tutorial chapters can be expected in future tutorials. This tutorial can be expected to be maintained concurrently with the developing language standard.