Customer Reviews

APL with a Mathematical Accent

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This excellent 200 page book describes itself as an "introduction to APL", and it does contain an efficient and orderly introduction to APL functions, operators, syntax, and arrays. By page 30 or so, however, it begins to use APL to solve some serious math problems--integration, Netwon's Method for solving roots of equations, the Power Method for estimating eigenvectors and eigenvalues, as well as common statistical methods. Instruction in APL language is integrated throughout with the exposition of these math problems.

Reiter broaches what is often viewed a multi-faceted task in a manner so as to make functioning in APL (A Programming Language) straightforward, practical, and useful. Basics are taught first, both Monadic and Dyadic use of the elementary operators, later introduction to Del, programming and the advantages of the branch. Mathematical concepts, including the basic linear, and the less familiar higher-order regression techniques are presented along with the APL equivalents of the algebraic technique for simultaneously solving equations.

I appreciated the updated reference for some of the more antiquated terms which may appear in other volumes of earlier vintage. No longer is fuzz tolerance, stack clear, clear stack, or such antiquated terminology present to confuse the reader. No more thorns, here. A simple )RESET sets everything clear.

Those familiar with the Interactive Approach would appreciate that A Rose is a Rose, and the standard for much of what we do, but for the newly initiated into the Magic of APL, Reiter makes all of the initial steps very )CLEAR.

The thema thoughout the excellent text/reference/adjunct to mathematical course is that set theory, Boolian Algebraic processes and APL work hand-in-hand.

After demonstrating basic skills in monadic and dyadic operators, the reader can go to DEL and really begin to gain the experience of just what APL is all about.

Again, )SAVE APL ! with all of its factorials and permutations. Reiter has certainly helped to do so by providing a work which will hopefully introduce a whole new generation to APL.

An excellent work by an erudite writer.

Jerrell L. Driver, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Health Services Provider Certified

Missouri PY00099

APL