programming language genealogy

 >> The direct predecessor of RPG (I) was the plugboard for the 407
accounting machine, which is arguably not a programming language.


Which is exactly what was meant by tabulators (or tabs) which was the
generic term used by those who did not live in an IBM centric universe.
i.e. those of us who programmed Hollerith, British Tab, or ICT equipment.

They were certainly programmed.  In addition to the wires, the "language"
one used was often a crude form of Anglo-Saxon <grin>.  Since the RPG
"language" was very directly aimed at emulating the 407's functions - it is
after all where we get the RPG cycle and indicators from - I think you have
to count it as a language and place it directly in the time line.  No other
language (to my knowledge).  At one time there was some form of conversion
routine whereby you described the plugboard programming and it generated
RPG.  Or did you plug the board into a device and it worked it out?  Getting
too old and suffering from CRS these days so I can't recall the exact
details.

I'll give you the /free argument <g>

Jon Paris
Partner400
www.Partner400.com