APL-A user friendly language

APL-A Programming Language-was originally a system of mathematical notation designed to facilitate the precise description of mathematical algorithms or programs in applied mathematics. Subsequently, computer programs (interpreters) were written to interpret APL notation. Despite its manifest convenience, precision and usefulness, APL has not been widely accepted as a useful tool in the Operational Research OR community. In fact, outside a small group of enthusiasts, it is misperceived as an esoteric product requiring special terminals and an aptitude for higher mathematics. This is puzzling, as APL is cheap, does not require special terminals, is easy to learn and especially suitable for prototyping, modelling and other Operational Research OR activities. It can also be used as a superb desktop calculator. A plethora of computer packages is described as ‘user friendly’. It is appropriate to describe APL as a user friendly programming language and to recommend its use. This article briefly describes APL, compares it to FORTRAN, a typical third generation programming language, demonstrates that the at best dubious objections to its use are no longer valid and includes a sample APL program.