Introduction to Programming

This document, titled Introduction to Programming: PDP-8 Family Computers, serves as an introductory textbook and reference guide for students and programmers working with the Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-8 family.

Key Sections:

• Computer Fundamentals (Chapter 1): Covers number systems, including binary and octal conversions, computer arithmetic, and logic operations.
• Programming Fundamentals (Chapters 2-5): Details PDP-8 instructions, memory reference, input/output programming, and system operation using the operator console and teletype.
• System Software (Chapter 6): Describes PDP-8 system software, including the Symbolic Editor, assemblers, and loaders (RIM and BIN).
• Monitor Systems (Chapters 7-8): Provides information on the Disk Monitor System and TSS/8 Time-Sharing System.
• FOCAL Programming (Chapter 9): A guide to using the FOCAL conversational interpreter.
• Scientific Applications (Chapter 10): Discusses applications of PDP-8 computers in fields like gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
• DECUS (Chapter 11): Information on the Digital Equipment Computer Users Society.

The manual is designed to provide both an introduction to machine-language programming and an overview of the system software and specialized applications available for the PDP-8.