CINIC(ID:7971/)

DEC teaching subset of BASIC 

for Computer Instruction NETWORK Instructional Compiler

Subset of BASIC for PDP/8s for the Computer Instruction NETWORK
References:
  • Pembroke, Bud R. and Gillette, Dave "PDP-8/S in the High School Classroom" Spring Decus 1968 view details Abstract: The presentation will cover the present use of the PDP-8/S as a portable computer in several curricular areas in schools within the Computer Instruction NETWORK.  The use of machine language will be discussed along with the use of CINIC as a "Load and Go" conversational compiler. CINIC "Computer Instruction NETWORK Instructional Compiler" was patterned after a subset of BASIC for the 4K core memory of the PDP-8/S. The authors will include a description of the instructions, examples of programs, and a candid explanation of advantages and limitations of this language.
    Extract: Introduction
    The Computer Instruction NETWORK is an ESEA Title III Federal Project, covering a four-county area in Oregon.  Our purpose is to assist high school students in the learning of computer concepts. Computers as an area of study, is our main goal, rather than using computers to assist the student in problem-solving in other phases of the curriculum. We feel that in order to fulfill our objectives, a student must have hands-on experience.  Each pupil should be able to press the buttons in running his own program. Computers are supplied for each of the schools cooperating in the C. I. NETWORK. We have been using the least expensive general-purpose PDP-8/S and other similar machines.  These are portable enough to allow a sharing of machinery among several schools.
    We strive to make effective use of classroom time. In addition to the computer and the on-line teletype, each classroom also has another teletype leased from the telephone company.  Thus, one student can be pre-punching programs on tape, while another is running or debugging his program.
    Also, to conserve machine time during the class period, we use what we call load-and-go preparation programs.  These allow the student to pre-punch an appropriate tape on the off-line teletype, and read it into the computer. As the tape is being read, the preparation program is translating the teletype codes into machine language instructions which are immediately stored in the computer's memory. Now as soon as the tape has been read, the program is ready to be run.  There is no waiting for intermediate tapes to be punched or processed.  Operational at the present time are the Machine Language Loader (MALL) and C. I. NETWORK'S Instructional Compiler (CINIC).  Assembly Loader of C. I. NETWORK (ALGIN) is still in the developmental stage.
    The Machine Language Loader program allows the programmer to type the first address of a block of computer storage, and then type the instructions or data to be deposited in that block. The MALL program translates the octal teletype codes into machine binary configuration and deposits each word in successive storage locations. A new block may be started at any time, by typing the first address of that block. When using this procedure, the only storage locations not available to the programmer are the page and a half containing the RIM, BIN, and MALL loading programs.
    As the student learns the language that the computer uses, he can grasp a much clearer idea of the concepts involved in machine operation.  One way of teaching about an instruction or programming concept is to allow the machine to be in Single Instruction mode.  The students can observe the various registers and notice how the computer deals with the data and addresses during each instruction. Debugging can be done in a similar way.  A student can try a program that does not run correctly, operating one instruction after the other on his own. By observing the console lights, he can find the incorrect steps in his procedure.  This, of course, is meaningful only to the programmer who is familiar with the octal representation of the instructions, data, and addresses.
    Since the C. I. NETWORK is, in most cases, teaching the most basic concepts of computer use to completely inexperienced people, we must start slowly and simply.  The first programs are restricted to page zero.  This eliminates much of the complicated explanation that would have to be covered for addressing on the other pages.
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