Conventional algebraic notation is sometimes confusing. mc^2 means m*(c^2) , mass times light speed squared, while cm^2 means square centimeter, (c*m)^2, rather than centi squaremeter, c*(m^2). The J convention for omitting parentheses is better. - Bo
>________________________________ > Fra: Raul Miller <rauldmil...@gmail.com> >Til: programm...@jsoftware.com >Sendt: 14:07 lørdag den 8. december 2012 >Emne: Re: [Jprogramming] J v Python > >On Fri, Dec 7, 2012 at 12:43 PM, Boyko Bantchev <boyk...@gmail.com> wrote: >> Traditional algebraic notation is very good for what it has been >> designed, and much easier to learn for kids than parsing J, let alone >> understanding the underlying computational model. > >To my knowledge, no studies have been done to investigate this issue. > >And, if we constrain our use of J to only those operations which have >equivalents in traditional algebraic notation, I am dubious of the >conclusion --- it conflicts with my experience. [That said, if you >make a deliberate attempt to make one or the other notation confusing, >you might succeed.] > >That said, there's an issue here involving available materials, and >that is where traditional algebraic notation shines. > >> Consider what a juxtaposition of two tokens within an expression could >> mean: >> >> – (part of the) contents of an array; >> – application of a monadic verb; >> – application (in the opposite direction!) of an adverb; >> – (partial) application of a conjunction (producing an adverb); >> – a train of two adverbs; >> – part of an application of a dyadic verb; >> – part of an application of a conjunction; >> – part of a train of three verbs; >> – (implicit) composition of verbs; >> – a hook. >> >> I may be missing some but there are 10 (!) variants so far – all this >> of nothing more than the innocent sequence of two. The tip of the >> iceberg. How are kids expected to tackle the rest of it? > >Note that traditional algebraic notation has analogous issues. But >both of these pale to insignificance when compared to the number of >issues of this sort represented by the english language. So I feel >this enumeration of partial contexts is a red herring. > >-- >Raul >---------------------------------------------------------------------- >For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
