The Persistent Abstract Machine Version 10 / Napier88 (Release 2.0)

In recent years, research into persistent programming systems has led to the design of sophisticated database programming languages such as Galileo, PS-algol, and Napier. These languages provide a wide range of abstraction facilities such as abstract data types, polymorphism and first class procedures that are integrated within a single persistent store. The development of these systems has required the design of a variety of new implementation techniques. For example, the development of the Napier system required the design of reusable compiler componentry, an intermediate language, an abstract machine and a persistent object store, all of which are integrated into a highly modular layered architecture. Here we present a description of the Persistent Abstract Machine.