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arXiv · 1005.5662

On the contribution of backward jumps to instruction sequence expressiveness

Jan A. Bergstra·Inge Bethke
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Abstract

We investigate the expressiveness of backward jumps in a framework of formalized sequential programming called program algebra. We show that - if expressiveness is measured in terms of the computability of partial Boolean functions - then backward jumps are superfluous. If we, however, want to prevent explosion of the length of programs, then backward jumps are essential.

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Jan A. Bergstra, Inge Bethke. 2010-05-31. On the contribution of backward jumps to instruction sequence expressiveness. https://arxiv.org/abs/1005.5662

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