Standardization of high-level languages

Abstract

The terms "compatibility", commonality," and "transferability" are used in discussing the mobility of programs and programmers. The common element essential to such mobility is the establishment of standards for programs, programmers, and documentation. The adoption of high-level programming languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN, ALGOL, and JOVIAL is a required element of such standards. The high-level languages are innately self-documenting---an essential for transferability. Thus, their use provides assistance in the transfer of programs among activities; the conversion from one computer generation to another; the conversion from one computer manufacturer to another; and the transfer of programs for back-up and readiness.