Exploring the Legacy of Wirth Languages: From Pascal to Oberon on Modern Small Machines
This site chronicles my extensive experience with the Wirth school of programming languages and systems, which encompasses the creations and ideas of Prof. Niklaus Wirth, Kenneth Bowles, Per Brinch Hansen, and their colleagues and students. Over the years, I have worked with various Pascal variants and related systems, from early P2 and P4 compilers at ETH Zürich to modern versions like FreePascal and Lazarus on Windows and Raspberry Pi. The site delves into the history and practical applications of these languages, especially in the context of small computers and device control. Topics Covered on the Site Standard Pascal and Validation: Insights into the ISO-standardized version of Pascal and how it has been validated across different systems. Niklaus Wirth: Profiles and discussions of his contributions to computer science, including Pascal, Modula, and Oberon. Edsger Dijkstra: Explorations of Dijkstra's influence on programming and algorithms. Per Brinch Hansen: Analysis of his work on concurrent programming and systems. C.A.R. Hoare: Examination of his contributions to structured programming and formal methods. Jim Welsh: Highlights of his role in the development and promotion of Pascal. Pascal Px Descendants: Detailed looks at derivatives like P5 and Pascal-M. UCSD Pascal: Comprehensive coverage of this influential dialect of Pascal, including the UCSD P-System. Other Pascal Articles: Information on FreePascal and Lazarus, Turbo Pascal, Delphi, and their applications in electronics and device control. Oberon Systems: In-depth discussions on Oberon, including Oberon Pi, a port for the Raspberry Pi, and the overall ecosystem built around this operating system and compiler. Timeline of My Exposure to Wirth Languages and Systems 1970s - 1970: Started working with early Pascal compilers, including the P2-P4 compilers developed at ETH Zürich, along with Pascal-S and Pascal-VU. Interactions with prominent figures like Andrew Tanenbaum and Professor R.P. van de Riet. - 1979: Began using Pascal-M during my studies at VU Amsterdam. 1980s - 1980: Engaged with UCSD P-System and HP Pascal 1000. - 1983: Worked with RSX-11M and VMS Pascal. - 1985: Transitioned to Turbo Pascal and spent a decade programming with VAX/VMS Pascal, teaching at Teleac, and administering examinations for Exin/Novi T5 Pascal. 1990s - 1990: Continued to develop with Turbo Pascal, moving from CP/M and MS-DOS environments to Delphi on Windows. 2000s-2010s - 2010: Began using FreePascal and Lazarus on both Windows and Linux, further expanding my capabilities in programming and system development. Summary of Contributions My journey through the world of Wirth languages and systems spans over four decades, encompassing roles as a student, software engineer, and hobbyist. Each phase has contributed to a deeper understanding of the principles and practices behind these languages and their impact on the computing landscape. From the foundational P2-P4 compilers to cutting-edge systems like Oberon Pi and FreePascal, the site offers a wealth of information, including scanned books, articles, and compiler sources. It serves as a resource for those interested in the evolution and application of Pascal and its descendants, providing historical context and practical insights. Join me as we explore the rich history and ongoing relevance of Wirth's programming languages and systems, from small machines to modern computing platforms.
