Definition
PL/I (Programming Language One) is a high-level programming language designed by IBM in the early 1960s. PL/I was developed to exploit the capabilities of the IBM System/360 computers, offering robust features suitable for both scientific computing and business data processing. It integrates features from procedural, imperative, and structured programming paradigms.
Examples of Usage
1. Scientific and Engineering Applications
PL/I’s strong data handling capabilities allowed it to be used in scientific simulations, engineering computations, and complex mathematical operations.
Example Code:
DECLARE A, B, C FIXED DECIMAL(5,2);
A = 123.45;
B = 87.65;
C = A + B;
PUT LIST(C); /* Outputs: 211.10 */
2. Business Data Processing
PL/I supported robust file handling and manipulation, making it suited for business applications involving extensive data processing.
Example Code:
DECLARE FILE1 FILE INPUT;
DECLARE RECORD CHAR(80);
OPEN FILE1;
READ FILE1 INTO RECORD;
CLOSE FILE1;
PUT LIST(RECORD);
3. System Programming
PL/I was also used for system-level programming tasks such as writing operating systems or utility programs.
Example Code for String Manipulation:
DECLARE STRING1 CHAR(20) INIT('Hello, PL/I ');
DECLARE STRING2 CHAR(10) INIT('World');
STRING1 = STRING1 || STRING2;
PUT SKIP LIST('Combined String:', STRING1);
/* Outputs: Combined String: Hello, PL/I World */
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: For what types of applications is PL/I most suitable?
A: PL/I is suitable for both scientific and business applications including engineering simulations, complex calculations, data processing, file handling, and system programming.
Q: Is PL/I still in use today?
A: While PL/I is not as widely used as it once was, it remains in use in legacy systems within certain industries, especially those that still operate IBM mainframe systems.
Q: What were some of the unique features of PL/I?
A: Some unique features of PL/I include robust file handling, built-in debugging capabilities, support for complex data types, and PL/I’s exception handling mechanism.
Q: How does PL/I handle different data types?
A: PL/I supports a variety of data types, including fixed decimal, floating decimal, complex, character, and bit-string data types, allowing for comprehensive data manipulation.
Related Terms
Fortran
Definition: A high-level programming language primarily used for numerical and scientific computing, developed in the 1950s by IBM.
COBOL
Definition: A programming language designed for business data processing, known for its clear syntax and ability to handle large volumes of data.
C
Definition: A general-purpose programming language developed in the early 1970s, widely used for system software and application development.
Mainframe Computers
Definition: Large, powerful computers mainly used by large organizations for bulk data processing, large-scale computations, and enterprise resource management.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “PL/I Structured Programming” by Joan K. Hughes — A comprehensive guide to programming in PL/I, suitable for both new and experienced programmers.
- “PL/I for Programmers” by Paul Abrahams and Joan Weiss — This book provides an in-depth look at PL/I, including practical applications and programming techniques.
- “Advanced PL/I” by Edward L. Bigelow — This book offers advanced programming concepts and practices for experienced PL/I programmers.
Fundamentals of PL/I: Programming Language Basics Quiz
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