You can not use the normal English meaning of "array" to make this argument. Array has a special meaning in mathematics/computer science, wherein its meaning is due in no small part to its usage in APL (and J).
> I would use 'noun' to mean 'array or atom' in the > cases you mention. > > Why have two words to mean the same thing? Currently, > 'noun' = 'array'. So you would say "functions apply to noun arguments and return noun results". That mixes two metaphors: noun verb adverb conjunction array function operator > I want 'array' to mean rank > 0 to avoid > the clumsy 'non-atomic array'. If "non-atomic array" is clumsy, then "array and atom" is no less so, and would be used much more. e.g. What does the monad [EMAIL PROTECTED] do? It finds the rank of an array (or atom). For that matter, what does the monad $ do? Finds the shape of an array (or atom). ----- Original Message ----- From: Henry Rich <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Saturday, October 6, 2007 11:07 Subject: RE: [Jgeneral] Re: Empty dimensions confuse me To: 'General forum' <[email protected]> > 'Array' to include atoms violates normal usage. > 'Array' in plain English refers to a bunch of things > ordered in some way. Look up the dictionary definition. > You'll find something like > > regular order or arrangement; series > > The plain, non-tortured reading of this is that an array is > something that has axes to be ordered along; in short, it > is divisible. It is NOT an atom. > > > I would use 'noun' to mean 'array or atom' in the > cases you mention. > > Why have two words to mean the same thing? Currently, > 'noun' = 'array'. > > I want 'array' to mean rank > 0 to avoid > the clumsy 'non-atomic array'. > > For example, when I try to define what an 'item' is. > It's a cell of rank one less than the noun's rank, unless > the noun is an atom, which is a special case. I would > like to say: > > An item of an array is a cell whose rank is 1 less than > the array's rank. An atom has one item, itself. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
