Data -- Files.

A handbook on the PASCAL computer program language includes discussions of statements, simple expressions, parameters, subprograms, and structured types.

This manual is directed to those who have previously acquired some programming skill. The intention is to provide a means of learning Pascal without outside guidance. It is based on !he Prpgramming ~angyage e~ (Bev1sed B~) [1]--the basic definition of Pascal and concise reference manual for the experienced Pascal programmer. The linear structure of a book is by no means ideal for introducing a language, whether it be a formal or natural one, Nevertheless, it is recommended to follow the given organiZation, paying particular attention to the example programs, and then to reread those sections causing difficultes. One may wish, however, to reference chapter 12 if troubles arise concerning the input and output conventions of the programs. The manual was prepared as a file on a computer, that is , as a sequence of characters of a single type font. This is very convenient for the purposes of updating: unfortunately, it is sometimes a bit awkward to read. The reader is asked to be indulgent with the absence of sub- and superscripts (e.g. m raised to the power n is denoted by m**n).

A preliminary version o~ the programming language Pascal was dra~ted in 1968. It ~ollowed in its spirit the A1gol-6m and Algo1-W 1ine o~ 1anguages. A~ter an extensive deve10pment phase, a~irst compiler became operational in 197m, and pub1ication ~ollowed a year 1ater (see Re~erences 1 and 8, p.1m4). The growing interest in the deve10pment of compilers ~or other computers ca11ed ~or a conso1idation o~ Pascal, and two years of experience in the use o~ the 1anguage dictated a few revisions. This 1ed in 1973 to the pub1ication o~ a Revised Report and a de~inition o~ a 1anguage representation in terms of the ISO cha:.:.acter set. This booklet consists o~ two parts: The User Manual, and the Revised Report. The ManUAl is directed to those who have previous1y acquired some ~ami1iarity with computer programming, and who wish to get acquainted with the 1anguage Pascal. Hence, the style o~ the Manual is that o~ a tutorial, and many examp1e~ are inc1uded to demonstrate the various ~eatures o~ Pascal. Summarising tab1es and syntax speci~ications are added as Appendices. The Report is inc1uded in this booklet to serve as a concise, u1timate reference ~or both programmers and imp1ementors. It defines stAndArd Pascal which constitutes a common base between various implementations of the 1anguage.

This second edition has been thoroughly updated to instruct readers on the design of fast and flexible file structures. It includes coverage of file structures in a UNIX environment, in addition to a new and substantial appendix on CD-ROM. Other modern file structures such as extendible hashing methods are also explored. This book develops a framework for approaching the design of systems to store and retrieve information on magnetic disks and other mass storage devices. It provides a fundamental collection of tools that any user needs in order to design intelligent, cost-effective, and appropriate solutions to file structure problems.