Learn SNOBOL with Real Code Examples

SNOBOL is centered around string and pattern operations rather than numeric computation.

It features dynamic typing, built-in pattern matching, and extensive string handling facilities.

Used in natural language processing, text parsing, and symbolic computing.

STRING and PATTERN types

Dynamic variable assignment

Pattern concatenation and alternation

Built-in matching and substitution operations

Control flow with GOTO, loops, and conditionals

Strings and patterns

Dynamic variable assignment

Pattern concatenation and alternation

Built-in functions for string operations

Control flow constructs (LOOP, GOTO, IF)

Source file (.sno)

Optional include files

Test cases for pattern matches

Execution logs

Documentation and comments

Write SNOBOL program in .sno file

Define patterns and string variables

Use matching and substitution operators

Test interactively in interpreter

Debug using tracing and pattern output

Beginner: simple string substitutions

Intermediate: pattern concatenation and alternation

Advanced: complex symbolic computations

Expert: compiler/parser design using SNOBOL

Higher-level string processing than early Fortran or COBOL

More specialized than general-purpose languages like C

Pattern-centric vs procedural or OO languages

Influenced languages like Icon and Perl

Less mainstream than Python for modern text tasks

1962 – Initial SNOBOL design

1964 – SNOBOL I released

1967 – SNOBOL II released with enhanced patterns

1972 – SNOBOL III standardized

1980s–1990s – SPITBOL optimized compiler introduced

Pattern: a template for matching strings

STRING: text data type

ANY: special pattern operator

Assignment: dynamic variable storage

Substitution: replace matched patterns