Programming

The great power of the modern computer lies in its versatility.

A programme can be loaded into the processor stoiage extremely rapidly and to switch from preparing a payroll to. say. a programme for performing structural stress analyses, can be achieved in a few seconds. This, of course, eon happen only when the programme to perform the desired task has been properly prepared.

Programme preparation, programme writing or programming, as it is usually described, is the operation of assembling a series of computer instructions in the correct sequence to perform a specific pre-defined task. This is usually achieved by establishing a logical, pattern of decisions and calculations, which, when expressed diagrammatically form a flow chart or block diagram. When the logic of the operation is checked from the diagram. each step is translated into computer inslructions. Although a computer may operate internally in, say, binary rotation, the programmer of today need not be concerned. He writes his programme in a language which almost English, and although varying from machine to machine would look something like this:

Zad Income, Taxable

Mult Taxable, @ 60 #, Result

Call Pensterl, Result, Tax

Which if translated would mean:

Clear to zero and add to. an accumulator, called "Taxable", the value stored in "Income";

Multiply the now content of "Taxable" by the number "60", and store the product in "Result";

Call (execute) a subroutine named Pensterl (which converts pence to sterling) using the value (in pence) stored in "Taxable" and store the terling lesult in area named TAX.

When the programme is written It is punched into cards and fed into the computer for translation or assembly into compute language. The cards punched for translation are described as the "source'' programme and alter translation the computer outputs the "object" programme, which when. in turn loaded Into the computer will process the date for which the programme was written.

The sequence of events might be as follows:

1. Write the source programme and punch into cards (input).

2. Process as data using an assemble) programme.

3. Output the assembled object programme on punched cards.

4. Load the object programme into the computer.

5. Process user data to achieve desired results.

6. For subsequent processing, repeat steps 4 and 5.

This type of programming is described as machine oriented because most instructions written are similar to those actually performed in the machine. Mast of the programming in New Zealand today is performed with this type of language. While it is relatively slow to write, the final result is efficient in operation.

An important development of recent years has been that of report prom amine generators.

Essentially, a programme generator consists of a standard programme which is modified by the programmers parameters, which in general describe the input layout, the information to be processed, the calculations to be performed, and format of the output. The parameters for a simple Job can be written in minutes, and since 30-50 per cent of all programmes for commercial work are basically simple, it can be appreciated that this form of programming is very popular.

Scientific applications for computers can be implemented with a programming language known as Fortran—a contraction of Formula Translation — in which arithmetic and logical functions are described in almost standard mathematical form. An interesting and important feature of this language is that it has become almost universal. A programme in this language can be used with little or no modification on a wide variety of models and makes of computer.

The people who are making careers in the rapidly growing data processing field in New Zealand have a wide variety of background, education and experience. It is significant that a very high proportion have university qualifications, and perhaps surprising, that nearly every degree and specialisation is represented: Accountants and Mathematicians certainly. Engineers marine, electrical. chemical, mechanical and civil: graduates in languages, Geography, Economics, Psychology, History, English and Political Science: and of course the sciences. The common factor is an aptitude for logical, practical, and constructive thinking. This aptitude is by no means restricted to graduates and many people have found an absorbing and satisfying career in data processing.

It would be impossible in this article to describe the many career opportunities in the computer industry but in New Zealand most people are engaged in applying the computer to New Zealand business or scientific requirements. Overseas the design and manufacture ,of new computers and new devices challenges, thousands of highly skilled and experienced men and women. Perhaps one of the least publicised professions is that of "software" development, In which programmes are developed which simplify the using of the computer. The "software" facilties provided with the modern computer are considered to be equally as important as the "hardware" or equipment which uses them.

In this brief review of electronic data processing in New Zealand their has been little opportunity to describe the new developments and trends on a broader scale, The next five years promise ignificant advances in technology.

Significant, too. will be the wav in which the skill and experience of New Zealand computer users will benefit the productivity of this country.