Com S 541 -- Programming Languages 1			January 19, 1993

    HOMEWORK 0-I: What is interesting about operational semantics?

Due: January 24, 1992

The CEO of a small midwest software concern has overheard someone at a
conference talking about operational 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 operational 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 operational semantics.
You figure that it's best to address the following points:
	* explain what operational semantics is by means of an analogy
	* briefly explain how operational semantics differs from other kinds of
		semantics used for programming languages.
	* explain the importance of and the benefits of operational semantics.
You should look in the references mentioned in the ``Introduction to the
Literature'', especially the book by Hennessy, 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.)