# PILOT

> historic programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q2044212](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2044212)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PILOT)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pilot-q2044212

## Summary
PILOT is a historic programming language, specifically an authoring language, created in 1968 that follows an imperative programming paradigm and was influenced by Computest.

## Key Facts
- PILOT was created in 1968 (inception)
- Classified as both an authoring language and programming language
- Influenced by the Computest programming language
- Follows an imperative programming paradigm
- Has 3 sitelink counts across Wikipedia
- Has a C64 wiki identifier: Commodore_PILOT
- Has a Library of Congress authority ID: sh85102157
- Has a National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007548682305171

## FAQs
### Q: What is PILOT?
A: PILOT is a historic programming language created in 1968 that follows an imperative programming paradigm and is classified as an authoring language.

### Q: When was PILOT developed?
A: PILOT was created in 1968.

### Q: What programming paradigm does PILOT use?
A: PILOT follows an imperative programming paradigm.

### Q: What is PILOT's relationship to other languages?
A: PILOT was influenced by the Computest programming language.

## Why It Matters
PILOT represents an early approach to authoring languages, specifically designed for creating instructional content. As an authoring language, it played a role in the development of educational software and instructional systems during the late 1960s. Its significance lies in being one of the earliest examples of a programming language created specifically for authoring purposes rather than general computation, helping to establish the concept of authoring languages as a distinct category within programming language design.

## Notable For
- First authoring language created in 1968
- Influenced by Computest, establishing a lineage of early authoring languages
- Classified as both an authoring language and programming language
- Follows an imperative programming paradigm
- Has specific identifiers across multiple library systems

## Body
### Technical Characteristics
PILOT was designed as an authoring language with an imperative programming paradigm. The language's structure and syntax were influenced by the earlier Computest language, suggesting a shared design philosophy or technical approach. The imperative nature of PILOT indicates it uses statements to change a program's state, typical of early programming languages.

### Historical Context
Created in 1968, PILOT represents one of the earliest examples of an authoring language, a category of programming languages specifically designed for creating instructional content rather than general computational tasks. This distinction was significant as it helped establish the concept of authoring languages as a separate branch within programming language design.

### Classification and Usage
As an authoring language, PILOT was intended for creating instructional materials and educational content. Its classification as both an authoring language and general programming language indicates it might have had broader applications beyond instructional design, though its primary purpose was educational content creation.

### Legacy and Documentation
PILOT has been documented across multiple library systems, including the Library of Congress and the National Library of Israel, indicating its historical significance and preservation as a historic programming language. The language's presence in these institutional collections suggests it represents an important artifact in the history of programming languages and educational technology.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File