The Programming Environment for Statistical Tabulation

The Programming Environment for Statistical Tabulation (PEST) is a system which adopts an unusual approach to statistical computing. Most such systems present one or more complete programs which are controlled by parameters of varying degrees of complexity; PEST adopts a different method and provides an incomplete program to which extra instructions must be added to specify the analysis that is required. Designed originally as a replacement for a similar system written in Algol 60, it now uses instead the more powerful and flexible Algol 68. This much neglected language is ideal for the purpose, enabling an ordinary user to obtain results with a limited range of simple statements and at the same time allowing an experienced programmer free access to facilities that compare most favourably with those of comparable languages. The efficiency of modern Algol 68 compilers means that the overhead of compiling the user's instructions as often as required is small and incurs no disadvantage by comparison with conventional packages.