CHAPTER 6

ALGOL 60 has provided a reference point for many facets of computer science. It has been formally defined a number of times (e.g. [Lauer 68a, Allen 72a, Mosses 74a]). As such, the task of writing a definition of the language provides a convenient test of a definition method. The ALGOL 60 definition in this chapter provides the reader with a first example of a VDM definition of a real (as opposed to a contrived) problem. The text discusses the models of those language concepts not covered in chapter 4. One of the outcomes of constructing a definition is a list of "reservations " about the object under study: that is, comments on how the same effect could be achieved more simply. The only major problem left in the "Modified Language " ([de Morgan 76a]) is the incomplete type checking. This definition shows that a powerful language can have a concise defini tion providing the language is well thought out. (This chapter is a re vised version of [Henhapl 78a].) Other complete language definition