Classifying and Documenting

This document outlines a standardized product code system (DEC-00-BZZB-D) for categorizing and identifying documents and software products, facilitating retrieval and duplication. The code is structured into several parts:

1. Prefix (DEC or MAINDEC): Indicates Programming Library or Maintenance Library products.
2. Computer Series (XX): Two digits designating the specific computer (e.g., PDP-1, PDP-8, PDP-10).
3. Product Identification (XXXX): Four characters describing the product itself.
   • Major Category (first char): General type of software (e.g., Assembler, Compiler, Utility).
   • Minor Category (second char): Specific function (e.g., Algol, Debug, I/O); for diagnostic programs, this is a number representing hardware components.
   • Option Category (third char): Hardware features required or special conditions (e.g., Disk only, Magtape); for MAINDEC products, the last two digits of the Product Identification are sequential for unique designation.
   • Revision Category (fourth char): A sequential letter for revisions of DEC products.
4. Distribution (XX): Two characters indicating how the product is distributed.
   • Medium (first char): Format (e.g., Cards, Document, Magtape, Papertape, DECtape).
   • Mode (second char): Data representation (e.g., ASCII, Binary, Combined Modes).
5. Special Classification ((X)): An optional single-letter code for specific versions (e.g., Draft copy, Test version).

The document also provides standard format guidelines for Program Document and Diagnostic Document layouts, detailing sections such as Abstract, Requirements, Loading Procedure, Operating Procedure, Errors, Restrictions, and Listings.