A text processing abstract machine

In this paper an abstract machine intended for text processing applications is defined. The concepts of text and text processing are first identified to determine how abstraction can be applied. Next, key concepts and objects are modeled in terms of a collection of primitive data types and data operations. Example text processing applications are developed which demonstrate how these primitives support the application programmer. Key examples such as text editing and formatting are used to show the need for abstraction at the various stages of software design. It is shown that this abstract machine provides a base upon which a designer can create other forms of abstraction which are more problem specific.