This text investigates the fundamental syntax, structure, and operational logic of the PL/I programming language. Erich J. Neuhold, an established computer scientist, provides a systematic breakdown of the language's capabilities for data processing and scientific computation. The book utilizes a structured pedagogical approach to explain how PL/I integrates features from earlier languages like FORTRAN and COBOL into a unified framework. It serves as a technical manual for understanding the language's compiler interactions and memory management.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational technical manual for students and professionals working with mainframe systems during the era of PL/I dominance. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which prioritizes precise technical definitions over simplified explanations.