The database programming language DBPL is a successor of Pascal/R and integrates a set- and predicate-oriented view of relational database modelling into the system programming language Modula-2. Based on integrated programming language and database technology it offers a uniform framework for the implementation and maintenance of database and application software.

This document describes the rationale for the design of DBPL, defines the elements of the DBPL language, and explains the use of the system software available for VAX/VMS systems. A small, self-contained application program is presented in chapter 5 to illustrate fundamental aspects of application programming in DBPL (data definition, data manipulation, modularization, user-interaction).

Chapter 3 gives a detailed description of the syntax and semantics of DBPL. It is based on the Modula-2 Report by N. Wirth as published in N. Wirth: Programming in Modula-2, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 3rd Edition, 1985.