APL2 At A Glance
βοΈ By James A. Brown, Sandra Pakin, Raymond P. Polivka
APL2 At A Glance is a comprehensive guide that introduces readers to the APL2 programming language. This book serves both beginners and experienced programmers. It provides practical insights and clear examples. Readers will find a structured approach to learning APL2.
Some Book Contents to expect
Prefatory Material
- Preface β Overview of the bookβs purpose and scope.
- Acknowledgments β Recognition of contributors.
- Foreword β Introductory remarks about APL2 and its context.
Chapter: Working with APL2
Section 1.1 β Doing Ordinary Arithmetic
- Simple Arithmetic β Basic numeric operations.
- Numbers β How APL2 interprets numeric data.
- Exercises for Section 1.1
Section 1.2 β Arithmetic on Arrays
- Thinking Arrays β Understanding array-based thinking.
- Adding up Numbers β Summation and aggregation.
- Exercises for Section 1.2
Section 1.3 β Remembering Data
- Assignment β Storing values in variables.
- Names β How variable naming works in APL2.
- Exercises for Section 1.3
Section 1.4 β Expressions and Notation
- Use of Parentheses β Controlling expression evaluation.
- Use of Blanks β Spacing rules and their meaning.
- Vector Notation β Constructing lists and sequences.
- DISPLAY Function β Viewing structures and values.
- Exercises for Section 1.4
Section 1.5 β Saving Your Work
- Basics of preserving your APL2 session and data.
Section 1.6 β Errors
- Types of Errors β Syntax, domain, and execution issues.
- Clearing Errors β Resetting and continuing work.
- Exercises for Section 1.6
Section 1.7 β Terminology
- Terms for Data β Scalars, vectors, arrays.
- Terms for Operations β Actions applied to data.
- Functions β Basic and derived functions.
- Operators β Higher-order functions.
- Commands β System-level instructions.
Chapter: Working with Vectors
Section 2.1 β Functions that Produce Vectors
- Shape β Determining vector size.
- Interval β Producing sequences of integers.
- Catenate β Joining vectors together.
- Catenate vs. Vector Notation β Differences in behavior.
- Exercises for Section 2.1
Section 2.2 β Character Data
- Character Vectors β Storing text.
- Mixed Vectors β Combining numbers and characters.
- Character Functions β Applying operations to text.
- Exercises for Section 2.2
Section 2.3 β Empty Vectors
- Creating an Empty Vector β Why they matter.
- Using Empty Vectors β Behavior in operations.
- Exercises for Section 2.3
Section 2.4 β Functions that Manipulate Vectors
- Picking Items β Selecting elements from vectors.
Section 2.5 β Scalar Functions
- Conformability & Extension β How scalars interact with arrays.
- Scalars & Nested Arrays β Applying operations inside structures.
- Additional Scalar Functions
- Power β Exponentiation.
- Maximum & Minimum β Comparative functions.
- Floor & Ceiling β Rounding functions.
- Magnitude & Direction β Vector analysis.
- Residue & Reciprocal β Modular arithmetic and inversion.
- Exercises for Section 2.5
Chapter: Working with Programs
Section 3.1 β Operators Apply to Functions
- Reduction β Applying operations across vectors.
- Naming Derived Functions β Creating reusable operators.
- Using Derived Functions β Practical usage.
- Each β Element-by-element application.
- Exercises for Section 3.1
Section 3.2 β Programs Remember Expressions
- Program Structure β How APL2 programs are organized.
- Defined Function Structure
- Defined Operator Structure
- Defined Sequence Structure
- Defining a Program β Writing custom procedures.
- Header Details β Syntax and organization.
- Local Names β Managing variable scope.
- Comments β Documenting code.
- Using Defined Functions & Operators β Practical application.
- Errors During Execution β Debugging program logic.
- Good APL2 Programming Practices β Best techniques.
- Building a Utility Toolbox β Common reusable tools.
- Using Comments Liberally β Improving code clarity.
- Using Local Names β Avoiding name conflicts.
- Exercises for Section 3.2
Book Overview
In APL2 At A Glance, authors James A. Brown, Sandra Pakin, and Raymond P. Polivka present an engaging overview of APL2. The book covers the fundamentals of APL2 programming. It details syntax, functions, and data structures. Each chapter offers practical examples and exercises. This approach helps reinforce learning. Moreover, the book emphasizes problem-solving techniques. Readers will learn how to apply APL2 to real-world scenarios. The authors also include advanced topics for those seeking deeper knowledge. Overall, the book is well-organized and easy to follow.
Why Read This Book
Reading APL2 At A Glance is valuable for several reasons. First, it simplifies complex concepts. The authors break down difficult topics into manageable sections. Second, the book is packed with practical examples. These examples help solidify understanding. Third, the authors provide exercises that encourage hands-on practice. This interactive approach enhances the learning experience. Finally, the book serves as a reference guide. Readers can return to it whenever they need clarification.
Who This Book Is For
APL2 At A Glance is ideal for a diverse audience. It targets beginners who want to learn APL2 from scratch. Experienced programmers will also benefit from its advanced topics. Additionally, educators can use this book as a teaching resource. Anyone interested in functional programming will find it useful. The book caters to those who prefer a structured learning path.
What You Will Learn
- How to write and execute APL2 code effectively.
- The key features and functions of the APL2 programming language.
- Techniques for solving complex problems using APL2.
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