SADL : a symbolic architecture description language : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Computer Science at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis develops a new language capable of specifying computer architecture at the symbolic, or assembly language level. The thesis first provides a representative sample of current, or proposed, computer description languages and discusses four of the languages and their merits with regard to the symbolic approach. Next, a model is proposed of computer architecture at the level which is visible to an executing sequence of instructions. This model is based

on the assembly language level of computer architecture. Next, the Symbolic Architecture Description Language (SADL) is

described.

Finally, Build, a LISP program which takes SADL architecture descriptions and generates functions and data structures for use in simulating architectures, is described.