Editing Operational semantics (section)

== History ==
The concept of operational semantics was used for the first time in defining the semantics of [[Algol 68]].
The following statement is a quote from the revised ALGOL 68 report:

<blockquote>
The meaning of a program in the strict language is explained in terms of a hypothetical computer
which performs the set of actions that constitute the elaboration of that program. ([[#algol68|Algol68]], Section 2)
</blockquote>

The first use of the term "operational semantics" in its present meaning is attributed to
[[Dana Scott]] ([[#plotkin04|Plotkin04]]).
What follows is a quote from Scott's seminal paper on formal semantics,
in which he mentions the "operational" aspects of semantics.

<blockquote>
It is all very well to aim for a more ‘abstract’ and a ‘cleaner’ approach to
semantics, but if the plan is to be any good, the operational aspects cannot
be completely ignored. ([[#scott70|Scott70]])
</blockquote>