Programming Real-Time Computer Systems, by James Martin,
1965; 386 pages.
Publisher: Prentice-Hall International,

REVIEW:
Within what we all know to be a very rapidly expanding
industry, one aspect of computer usage—Real Time—is
almost exploding. Quite apart from the airline, bank and
communications systems which are so time-sensitive in their
normal operation, enlightened managements are realizing
that, to use computers to their maximum efficiency as management
tools, demand-processing is an essential and quick
responses really do matter. Senior executives have grown
tired of being presented with wads of paper which they never
have time to read, and now realize that with Real-Time systems
"management by exception" really can be accomplished.
Mr. Martin's book will no doubt stimulate interest in and
argument about many aspects of Real-Time. Whilst giving a
good basic account of the philosophy of Real-Time programming,
it has the drawback common to all textbooks which deal
with a rapidly advancing technology—it was out-of-date
almost before it reached the printers.

Apart from a glaring set of printer's errors in Table 1 of
Chapter 7, Mr. Martin's book is well set out. It should
provide the novice in this field with a good semi-historical
account of the development of programming methods and a
background to Real-Time implementation as a whole.
Provided that the reader is aware of the existence of other
programming philosophies and methods, the sections on
programming aids, and system implementation, in themselves,
make the book a worthwhile acquisition.
D. C. PHILLIPS