CIS 400 Assignment 1
                          Fall 1999


     For your first assignment you are to select one of the 
languages in the CIS 400 Programming Languages Guide (see the CIS 
400 web page) and evaluate its standard implementation. You are to 
assign the language a letter grade (A through E) for each 
criterion point listed below and to provide written justification 
for your rating. You are expected to use informed opinion as a 
part of your rating justifications. References should be mentioned 
in the text of your answer (eg. Wirth, 1978). A complete reference 
list should appear at the paper's end.


             Criteria for Language Design Evaluation

            1. efficiency (translation and execution)
            2. simplicity (readability and writability)
            3. orthogonality
            4. definiteness (syntax and semantics)
            5. reliability
            6. program verification (correctness)
            7. abstraction facilities (data and procedural)
            8. portability


     Chapters 1 - 3 from Sebesta provide a good starting point. 
However, you should consider using  additional sources from the 
library (ie. the ACM SIGPLAN Notices, ACM Communications, IEEE 
Computer, Computer Selects). You must address each of the 8 
criterion points individually for the language you choose. I would 
suggest that you focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the 
languages as a means of limiting the length of your paper (I won't 
read more than 3 pages).

	In addition, you are to check each hyperlink on the language 
web page and inform me of any that need to be updated. You are to 
find two new web links to add to the language page. You will also 
need to find a new sample program and create a web page to display 
it (using the existing web pages as a model). You will need to 
arrange to have Wing Lau to install your new material on the 
language web site.

     Please let me know by September 20th what language you are 
planning to evaluate. You may send me e-mail or tell me in class. 
I must formally approve your request before you begin. No more 
than 2 evaluations of the same language will be approved (so 
choose early).


Assigned:  9-15-99
Due date: 10-06-99