A Simple Separate Compilation Mechanism for Block-Structured Languages

A very simple and efficient technique for the introduction of separate compilation facilities into compilers for block-structured languages is presented. Using this technique, programs may be compiled in parts while the compile-time checking advantages of compilation as a whole are retained. These features are simple for a programmer to understand and are easy to implement. Experience has shown this separate compilation mechanism to be a useful tool in the development of large programs in block-structured languages.