[net.lang] Implementation of overloaded operators.

jenny@ucbvax.ARPA (Kathryn Hargreaves) (10/03/85)

Algol 68 is the only language I know of that allows true programmer defined
operators, that is, to be able to say ``I want an postfix ! and here's the
definition.'' (At least I think Algol 68 does; I'm not particularly
well-versed in it.) Ada allows you to redefine existing operators, but not
create new ones. Two questions:
   1. Do any other languages allow such things?
   2. Have any readable papers been produced about implementing
programmer-defined operators? (Preferably the Algol 68 version, the Ada
version if that's all that's around.) By readable paper I mean something
other than a compiler listing. I know about ``Resolution of overloaded
operators in Ada'' (or some such title) in SIGPlan Notices a couple years
back.)
   Please reply to me, not the net.

Thanks,
jenny%ernie@ucbvax.arpa