English for the computer

Abstract

What about English as a programming language? Few would question that this is a desirable goal. On the other hand, I dare say every one of us has rather deep reservations both about its feasibility and about a number of problems that it entails. This paper presents a point of view which gives some clarity to the relationship between English and programming languages. This point of view has found substance in an experimental system called DEACON. The second paper in this session will describe the specific DEACON system and its capabilities.