Com S 541 -- Programming Languages 1 January 19, 1993 HOMEWORK 0-J: What is interesting about denotational semantics? Due: January 24, 1992 The CEO of a small midwest software concern has overheard someone at a conference talking about denotational semantics. You are in the research department of this firm, and the CEO wants to have a meeting with you on Monday at noon. ``What is it about?'' you ask the CEO's secretary? ``I don't know, something about denotational semantics? Does that sound right?'' You know how this goes, as it's happened before with other buzzwords. Your task is to prepare a short presentation on denotational semantics. You figure that it's best to address the following points: * briefly explain the aim (purpose) of denotational semantics * briefly explain how denotational semantics differs from other kinds of semantics used for programming languages. * explain the importance of and the benefits of denotational semantics. You should look in the introduction and conclusion of the book ``Programming Languages: Syntax and Semantics'', the introduction to its sections on denotational semantics, and other introductory materials mentioned in the ``Introduction to the Literature'' handout (particularly the paper by Tennant) for ideas. This is a group project. Your group is to * prepare a written summary of your arguments, and * make a short (about 5-6 minute) oral presentation The style of oral presentation is up to you; you can have one person talk, or several. (If you need transparencies or copies made, let Gary know far enough in advance to have them made in time for the class.)