sasaki@harvard.ARPA (Marty Sasaki) (07/02/84)
The problem with any language is not only learning the syntax/semantics
but also how to effectively program in the language. The advantage with
most traditional algebraic languages (Algol, Pascal, C, Fortran) is that
once the syntax/semantics are learned one can easily transfer the acquired
experience to solve problems.
APL is in the unique position that you can't just pick up the hard won years
of experience and transfer them. APL requires a lot of work to figure out
how to do things. The amount of work required is probably no more than the
amount of work required to learn how to program in C. Unfortunately for
APL most programmers have already invested the time in learning the algebraic
ways of programming, and aren't willing to re-invest the time.
APL-wizards are no different than C-wizards (except for their numbers). Both
do amazing things very quickly. The code they write is readable by other
wizards. With a little explanation intelligent mortals can see and understand
what is going on.
Generally, the tirades against APL are without merit. BTW, I don't program
in APL, but have had friends who have.
Marty Sasaki
Harvard University Science Center
sasaki@harvard.{arpa,uucp}