SE Assignment 4: How was the first compiler, compiled?

What is a compiler?

A compiler is a computer program (or set of programs) that translates text written in a computer language (the source language) into another computer language (the target language). The original sequence is usually called the source code and the output called object code. Commonly the output has a form suitable for processing by other programs (e.g., a linker), but it may be a human-readable text file.
The most common reason for wanting to translate source code is to create an executable program. The name "compiler" is primarily used for programs that translate source code from a high-level programming language to a lower level language (e.g., assembly language or machine language).

How was the first compiler, compiled?

In 1954 work began on FORTRAN I- a language and system which established the foundations of compiler technology, set standards rarely achieved today, and, as a result, dramatically accelerated compiler development.
Early in 1954 the FORTRAN I project was formed by John Backus. A fundamental question posed by the project was “. . . can a machine translate a sufficiently rich mathematical language into a sufficiently economical program at a sufficiently low cost to make the whole affair feasible?” A major goal was to provide an automatic programming system which “. . . would produce programs almost as efficient as hand coded ones and do so, on virtually every job.” This seemingly impossible goal was met to an astonishing degree. In some cases it produced code which was so good that users thought it was wrong since it bore no obvious relationship to the source. It set a standard for object program efficiency which has rarely been equaled. The FORTRAN I compiler, begun in 1954 and completed in 1957, established modern compiler tasks, structure, and techniques. Indeed some of the techniques are still used in nearly the same form.

The compiler was developed for the 704, an IBM machine introduced in 1954 featuring built-in floating point and indexing capabilities. It compiled the FORTRAN I language which was defined as part of the project and evolved considerably as the project progressed. In order to achieve its efficiency goals, the high level arithmetic statements in the source program had to be translated so as to minimize storage references and, even more importantly, subscripts and their control had to make maximal use of the machine’s three index registers.

Source: The history of Language Processor Technology in IBM by F.E. Allen

SE Assignment 3- Part B: Steps required to accomplish Part A

Steps required to accomplish Part A:

I) Go to http://db.zoho.com/

II) Creating two database tables-

a) Sign in to http://db.zoho.com/

b) On the create database page select one of the four options indicated. For example- select import .XLS, .CSV option.

c) In the create database (import) window that appears (step 1 of 2), enter the database name and description. Select the data location option i.e. pasted data or local drive. For example- select pasted data option and copy the prepared excelsheet database in the blank space provided. Select Next.

d) Enter the table name in the window that appears next(step 2 of 3), click create. In the Import Data Details window that appears next, click close. The database table would get created.
Repeat the procedure for the second database table.

III) Creating three select queries:

a) Locate the New option in the top left corner of the page and in the drop down box click the New Query Table option.

b) A new query table creation option would appear next. Enter the select comand that you require, in the space provided and click execute. The query table would get created.

c) Repeat the procedure for the other two query tables.

d) In each of the query table select the embedding option frpm the Publish option on the top of the page. Select the URL from the window that appears.

e) Paste the URL in the post in your blog after making the necessary changes to the size of the table.

f) Publish the post.

SE Assignment 3- Part A: Report generation through queries (3 reports)

1) Report 1: To view Item name, Unit price and Quantity available when Unit price>Rs. 100




2) Report 2: To view Item code and Item name where Quantity available is less than minimum required level.




3) Report 3: To view the Suppliers of Items in inventory by joining the two database tables.

SE Assignment 2- Part 1: Third Normal Form (Normalization)

SE Assignment 2- Part 2: My Residence

The Wikimapia link for my residence: http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=28.53495&lon=77.288716&z=18&l=0&m=s&v=2

SE-Assignment 1: Computer Architecture

Situation: A conversation over lunch with my younger sibling on computer architecture.
Participants: me and my younger sibling.

The conversation:


Me: So, how was school today?

Brother: Great! But the computer lecture left me wanting for answers.

Me: Why, what was covered?

Brother: In our spare time, we cursorily discussed information systems architecture, databases and their relevance in computer architecture. I couldn’t grasp the concept though.

Me: I might be able to elucidate. Let me explain:

Computer science consists of programs. These are in turn made up of data structures and algorithms. The data structures indentify what to process and the algorithms, how to process.
Similarly, information systems engineering refers to systems that consist of a database (that identify what to process) and applications (that specify how to process).

Brother: I got the former, please care to explain the latter.

Me: A system is simply a design or set of relations between parts of that unified whole.
In simple parlance, it means the relations guiding the integration between the data and applications.
A system…

Brother: Yeah and the teacher mentioned some types of systems in computer architecture. What are those?

Me: I’ll enumerate and explain the different types in turn-
i) Single- tier
ii) Two- tier
iii) Three- tier
iv) Multi-tier

i) Single tier: This would have data and an application on a physical hardware. An important thing to be kept in mind is that the data should be logically distinct from applications i.e. it should not be embedded in programs or rather programs should be open- ended and be able to take any data.
For example: a simple calculator.

ii) Two-tier: Client Server Architecture
The data would be stored on a physical device e.g. a server (running on a program like MySQL).
This data server would be connected to different individual machines running on different applications that vary with the business requirements.
This database is connected to the workstations through the Local Area Network (LAN). This has an advantage that multiple workstations can access the server without slowing it but it requires considerable bandwidth.

iii) Three-tier: The database and the business applications are kept centrally and connected through the
LAN to other workstations. Each workstation would require an application to access the database.

iv) Multi-tier: The data server and business application are kept centrally. All interface is done by the web server through the internet. The web browsers do not need an application to access the data.
E.g. the railway online enquiry system.

Advantage: No special software required.
Disadvantage: The service providers business application should be web enabled.

Brother: But can’t a workstation have multiple applications running on it?

Me: Yes, it can but that would make the data management very complex.
The problem of complexity can be managed through the following:

i) Relational Database Management System (RDBMS): It’s a common or integrated database that provides data to all workstations. Changes made are uploaded real-time which ensures that there is non- duplication and consistency.

ii) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): This provides a standardized platform as all workstations run on the same application and all updates are routed through the ERP to the database.
Advantages: Greater integration, it can be bundled as a single package and is hence, easier to use and manage.

Brother: Can this ERP be integrated with workstations that are not at the same location?

Me: Yes, it is possible. It can be connected through the internet. The challenge is to keep hackers at bay. This can also be managed by using firewalls to ensure data security.

There are some databases that are used widely like Oracle, SQL server, MySQL and some applications like Java, Visual Basic and ZOHO!.

Hope I’ve been of some help.

Brother: God! Look at the time. I’ve to rush for my coaching class. Thanks, you’ve been a great help.

Me: You’re welcome.