CAPIM(ID:5990/)

Matrix algerbra system 

for Codigo Auxiliar Pare Interpretacso de Matrices (matrix interpretative routine)

Matrix algerbra system from Brazil
References:
  • Cohen, Jacques "A matrix interpretative routine CAPIM" Pontificia UniversidadeCatolica do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Processamento de Dados, Feb. 1962 view details
  • Hill, R. H. review of Cohen 1962 view details Abstract: This paper is a description of CAPIM, a matrix manipulation interpretive language written for the Burroughs 205 computer at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro Data Processing Center. In the original version of CAPIM, operations included the ability to read and punch paper tape, print, read and write magnetic tape and perform the basic operations of matrix algebra: addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, matrix multiplication, transposition, partitioning and inversion. In the original version, matrices of order 20 and below could be handled. A later version of CAPIM has added conditional and unconditional transfers of command and the ability to modify interpretive instructions. The additional space requirements restrict the maximum matrix size to the order 18 or less. The language affords an "escape" instruction by means of which transfer may be made to a machine language routine supplied by the user.

    Although the abstract calls CAPIM a "symbolic language", the reviewer was unable to find evidence of this in the report. The coding examples given show instructions and addresses written in numerical form, and the instructions explicitly require that op codes, modifiers, and addresses be written numerically. This requirement works no great hardship, however, since the majority of problems that can be solved within the capacity of the equipment will require only a few lines of CAPIM code.

    The general availability of a good symbolic language devoted to matrix operations would be a genuine contribution to the computing industry. Such a language does exist at Douglas Aircraft Company, Santa Monica, for the IBM 709/90 as reported several years ago at a Los Angeles area one-day technical symposium jointly sponsored by the local area ACM chapters The tape matrix compiler was reported then as being in successful use at Douglas, but has never been released for outside use or distribution. This circumstance could give rise to some interesting speculations about proprietary interests in programs developed wholly or partially with government funds.
          in ACM Computing Reviews 4(01) January-February, 1963 view details