Stack Computers: The New Wave

Philip Koopman

This is a scanned copy reprint of the most comprehensive book on stack computers, originally published in 1989. This version is compressed to be compact, and is primarily intended for on-line viewing. If you want a nice printed copy, please see the 20th Anniversary Edition instead.
The author commences with an overview of how stacks are used in computing, and a taxonomy of hardware stack support which includes a survey of approximately 70 stack machines. Detailed descriptions, including block diagrams and instruction set summaries, are given for seven stack processors from Harris Semiconductor, Novix, Johns Hopkins University/APL, MISC, WISC Technologies, and Wright State University. Major topics covered also include architectural analysis of stack machines, software issues, application areas, and potential for future development.