Text 8. Programming languages

Most courses in the programming begin with a lesson on the binary system, although most programmers seldom have to use the binary number in actual practice. The reason for studying the binary system is to understand the nature of the computer and the way it operates. Understanding the binary system and its correspondence to the switches inside the machine helps to take the mystery out of computers. Above all, it is the programmer who must realize that the machine is controlled by human beings - and that he is the one who is going to control and direct it. We know that the machine reacts to a series of electrical impulses that can be represented in binary numbers. This is called machine language, and the central processing unit has been designed to execute instructions given to it in machine language. We also know that all data are translated into binary code before being stored in main storage. It would, however, be very tedious and difficult to write all information in binary code. Most programmers therefore use one or more of the standard programming languages to prepare their programmes. These programming languages use a combination of numbers, characters, and other symbols that is more convenient and easier to work with than machine language.

There are many programming languages. They are known by such names as FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL, PL/1, and APL. FORTRAN is used primarily for scientific work, and COBOL is used for most commercial applications. COBOL and FORTRAN are the most common of the programming languages. Of the others, ALGOL and APL are used primarily for scientific work, while PL/1 is employed for general-purpose programming.

How does the machine understand instructions in one of these languages if the only language to which the machine can react is machine language? It understands them by means of interpreter, just as an American diplomat at the United Nations communicates with a Chinese diplomat through an interpreter. The interpreter for a computer is a systems program. The systems programmes are part of the software, but they are supplied by the manufacturer of the machine. One of the systems programmes is called the compiler. The computer takes each instruction in the programme and translates it into machine language - that is, into a binary equivalent. It is this translated programme that activates the millions of switches in the machine during processing. There is a separate compiler for each of the standard programming languages.

Text 9. Automobile production

Specialists in automobile industry deal with designing and manufacturing of cars and trucks. In this way they should know that the overall production of an automobile comprises the following phases:

1. Designing (i.e. creating the project which is to be brought to life in full accordance with public and industrial needs and technical and ecological requirements).

2. Working out the technology of manufacturing processes, including strategic planning and plant premises layout.

3. Laboratory tests (at the plant or in specially organized test centers which are cosponsored by different businesses).

4. Road tests (practical field running of ready machine elements and completely assembled units).

5. Mass production (manufacturing) and further marketing of the ready-made production.

It is important to know them, as before the automobile (car or truck) is put into mass production, it should be properly designed and the automobile must meet up-to-date requirements. And what are these requirements? The automobile must have high efficiency, long service life, driving safety, ease of maintenance and pleasant appearance. In order to obtain all these qualities, engineers should develop advanced methods of designing cars, using new types of corrosion resistant light materials. Also, it is important to know computer science and IT, because it is intended to shorten the time between designing and manufacturing. Computers offer quick and optimal solutions of these problems.

But before the car is put into mass production, all its units and mechanisms are subjected to tests, first in the plant laboratory, and then the car undergoes a rigid quality control in road tests. Only then the car is put into mass production. Why are these tests required? What qualities are required of the automobile? The modern automobile must be rapid in acceleration, must have a smooth acting clutch, a silent gearbox, dependable brakes and steering system, as well as pleasant appearance. It also must be comfortable and have all conveniences.