On the Conversion of Decision Tables to Computer Programs The use of execution time diagnostics in pinpointing ambiguities in decision tables is discussed. It is pointed out that any attempt at resolving ambiguities at compile time will, in general, be impossible. It is shown that, as a consequence, tree methods of converting decision tables to programs are inadequate in regard to ambiguity detection. Two algorithms for programming decision tables whose merits are simplicity of implementation and detection of ambiguities at execution time are presented. The first algorithm is for limited entry decision tables and clarifies the importance of proper coding of the information in the decision table. The second algorithm programs a mixed entry decision table directly without going through the intermediate step of conversion to a limited entry form, thereby resulting in storage economy. A comparison of the algorithms and others proposed in the literature is made. Some features of a decision table to Fortran IV translator for the IBM 7044 developed by the authors are given. CACM June, 1970 Muthukrishnan, C. R. Rajaraman, V. decision tables, diagnostic aids, system analysis, business applications 3.50 3.59 4.19 4.29 4.49 CA700602 JB February 13, 1978 12:03 PM 1354 4 2053 1354 4 2053 1354 4 2053 1488 4 2053 1488 4 2053 1684 4 2053 1994 4 2053 2053 4 2053 2053 4 2053 2053 4 2053 2053 4 2053 2053 4 2053 2220 4 2053 2220 4 2053 2220 4 2053 2220 4 2053 2273 4 2053 2273 4 2053 2273 4 2053 2273 4 2053 2453 4 2053 2453 4 2053 2517 4 2053 2518 4 2053 2598 4 2053 2616 4 2053 2726 4 2053 2726 4 2053 2726 4 2053 2856 4 2053 2856 4 2053 2856 4 2053 3034 4 2053 3113 4 2053 1172 5 2053 1237 5 2053 1327 5 2053 1354 5 2053 1684 5 2053 2053 5 2053 2053 5 2053 2053 5 2053 2221 5 2053 2273 5 2053 2453 5 2053 2517 5 2053 2856 5 2053 3034 5 2053 1172 6 2053 1172 6 2053 1172 6 2053 1237 6 2053 1327 6 2053 1327 6 2053 1354 6 2053 1354 6 2053 1354 6 2053 1684 6 2053 1684 6 2053 1683 6 2053 2053 6 2053 2053 6 2053 2053 6 2053 2053 6 2053 2053 6 2053 2053 6 2053 2220 6 2053 2220 6 2053 2220 6 2053 2221 6 2053 2453 6 2053 2517 6 2053 2598 6 2053 753 6 2053