Novosibirsk 2016
This preliminary historical study conducted on the basis of the publications, as well as of the memoirs and archives of the authors is an attempt to consider the first fifteen years of the development of programming in the USSR – both as a practical experience and as a branch of science. After a brief description of the context of this development and analysis of the initial knowledge, the authors demonstrate that many important sections of programming – primarily, general methodology and theory, as well as translation principles – developed in the USSR driven by its own powerful creative impulses.
The authors emphasize the role of Algol 60 in the internalization of scientific research in programming and making it generally valid. In conclusion, the authors provide a critical analysis of the subject, discussing the reasons for some development gaps in Soviet programming.
In the end, the list of the sources used in both parts of the study is given.
The study was made for the proceedings of the Los Alamos History of Computing Conference held in the USA from 10 to 15 June 1976.