Toward a Programming Laboratory

Abstract

This paper discusses the feasibility and desirability of constructing a "programming laboratory" which would cooperate with the user in the development of his programs, freeing him to concentrate more fully on the conceptual difficulties of the problem he wishes to solve. Experience with similar systems in other fields indicates that such a system would significantly increase the programmer's productivity. The PILOT system, implemented within the interactive BBN LISP system, is a step in the direction of a programming laboratory. PILOT operates as an interface between the user and his programs, monitoring both the requests of the user and the operation of his programs. For example, if PILOT detects an error during the execution of a program, it takes the appropriate corrective action based on previous instructions from the user. Similarly , the user can give directions to PILOT about the operation of his programs , even while they are running, and PILOT will perform the work required. In addition, the user can easily modify PILOT by instructing it about its own operation, and thus develop his own language and conventions for interacting with PILOT. Several examples are presented.