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Title: Numeric processor and text manipulator for the ''MASTER CONTROL'' data-base-management system

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7285144· OSTI ID:7285144

The numeric and text processor of the MASTER CONTROL (MCP) data-base-management system permits the user to define fields and arrays that are functionally dependent on the data retained in a data base. This allows the storage of only the essential and unique information and data, and the calculation of derivable quantities as required. The derived quantity can be expressed as an arithmetic expression, that is, a functional relationship. Functions can be multiply subscripted and can be embedded within other functions at up to 58 levels. They can be stored either semi-permanently in a repertoire of functional relations, or they can be defined interactively from a terminal and used immediately for searching on the derived value. The processor also permits the conversion of literal strings into numbers, and vice versa. In addition, the user can define dictionaries that allow the expansion of keyed sentinels associated with records in the data base into fully descriptive expressions. This option can be used for cost-effective searching and data compaction. The functional definitions are reduced to Polish notation and stored in a disk file from which they are either retrieved on demand and evaluated according to the data of records specified or used in any given MASTER CONTROL command. The language used for the definitions of the numeric processor is essentially FORTRAN; most of the standard functions and over two dozen special functions are thus available. The functional processor provides a powerful technique for the integration of text and data for energy research and for scientific and technological work in general. MASTER CONTROL is operational at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (LLL) and at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL). 6 figures, 1 table.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
7285144
Report Number(s):
UCRL-52015; TRN: 76-014179
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English