Examination of temperature and vapour pressure gradients is used here to demonstrate GRAPPLE (Graphical Programming and Application Language).
The language structure is similar to ALGOL and compilation times ore reduced compared with languages such as FOR TRA N I V.
GRAPPLE is self-documenting and its other strong points include good mathematical capabilities, a structured programming layout, interactive features and easily learnt functions.
A 1977 CAD study stated: '... some languages (were found) with extensive facilities for manipulating and structuring data, some with very flexible input/output, some that produce efficient compiled code and some that provide a good conversational environment for program development and debugging. Some languages also generate very readable programs that require little in the way of documentation .... (The authors) do not believe, however, that any one of these rival languages (to FORTRAN) is sufficiently outstanding to deserve to become a standard language for CAD .... Efforts should be made to free CAD from its dependence on FORTRAN by encouraging the teaching of other highlevel language, by publicizing the advantages of these languages and by making them increasingly available for CAD.' (Hatvany I ) GRAPPLE (Graphical Programming and Application Language) was developed in the early 1970s to serve the design requirements of Bell-Northern Research. Its strong points lie in its mathematical capabilities, dynamic compiling, structured programming layout, interactive features and programers' aids. The language is based on a function organization and a menu selector and it is oriented to the novice programer. If used properly GRAPPLE is self-documenting and therefore simplifies software management. Its graphical capabilities are fine-honed and ingrained in the language and grammar.