An interactive simulator generating system for small computers
This paper is concerned with a novel idea for the use of an interactive computer system. The system, called an Interactive Simulator Generator, is designed primarily for a student interested in learning about the structure of a computer. This is achieved through the use of design configuration in a simulation process. The Interactive Simulator Generator asks questions about the structure of the target machine the user wants and provides him finally with a simulator for his machine. It also provides a list of pseudo micro-operations that help the user to specify and develop assembly instructions and programs. Modest diagnostic and debugging aids are provided. Measurements such as frequency of use and average execution time, etc., are also available for comparing different computer configurations. The simulation of a subset of the PDP-8 Computer is illustrated. The system is programmed in System 360/APL.