The Implementation of Run-Time Diagnostics in Pascal

Abstract
This paper considers the role of run-time diagnostic checking in enforcing the rules of the Pascal programming language. Run-time diagnostic checks must be both complete (covering all language requirements) and efficient. Further, such checks should be implemented so that the cost of enforcing the correct use of a given construct is borne by users of that construct. This paper descxibes simple and efficient mechanisms currently in use with a diagnostic Pascal compiler that monitor the run-time behavior of such sensitive Pascal constructs as pointers, variant records, reference (i.e., var) parameters, and with statements. The use of these mechanisms with related constructs in other languages is considered. Language modifications that simplify run-time checking ate also noted.

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