Nested Interpreters and System Structure

Abstract

The paper treats the problem of nests of interpreters i.e. multiple levels of interpretation of programs. The goal of the paper is to expose a control structure which models the important characteristics of such nests. Using a comparison with the Burroughs B6700 philosophy, a more general system model is introduced. There are two major results - a new type of control structure, and the conclusion that generalized nests perforce require retained environments.