The algebra of these types gives us no tools to distinguish between items that are different in type but not storage format.
A 16 bit wide character, a 16 bit wide integer and a 16 bit wide floating point value are all the same unless we exclude some bit combinations. And then the only difference between them is "how many bit patterns were excluded"? Meanwhile a 32 bit wide version of each is a different kind of entity. And, as Roger noted, arrays with different structures are totally different creatures, using this system. So... this is a cute idea, but for a wide variety of practical "type issues" it's more of a distraction than a useful tool. -- Raul ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
