During my recent SmugMug API and Python adventures I was haunted by an Iverson ghost: NumPy An Iverson ghost is an embedding of APL like array programming features in nonAPL languages and tools. You would be surprised at how often Iverson ghosts appear. Whenever programmers are challenged with processing large numeric arrays they rediscover bits of … Continue reading NumPy another Iverson Ghost
Category: APL
APL Software Archaeology .dbi Edition
Have yourself a merry little APL Christmas. I joke that my job title should be software archaeologist because I often find myself resurrecting, not refactoring, code that dates to primitive and primeval eras. The language I’m typically hired to resurrect is APL. APL, the language with funny symbols, is a software vampire. People keep paying … Continue reading APL Software Archaeology .dbi Edition
Typesetting UTF8 APL code with the LaTeX lstlisting package
UTF8 APL characters within a LaTeX lstlisting environment. Click for *.tex source code Click for an updated PDF version of this post. Typesetting APL source code has always been a pain in the ass! In the dark ages, (the 1970's), you had to fiddle with APL type-balls and live without luxuries like lower case letters. With the … Continue reading Typesetting UTF8 APL code with the LaTeX lstlisting package
The Return of APL Fingers
APL typewriter ball (1970s) I am programming in APL again after a six-year hiatus. My APL fingers are rusty but it's amazing how deep muscle memory goes. I still know where all the beautiful APL glyphs' hide on standard keyboards. I've programmed in almost a dozen programming languages but I maintain warm feelings for APL … Continue reading The Return of APL Fingers
