Re: Getting started with APL

[Dr . Jürgen Sauermann]

Hi,

GNU APL is not fully compatible with Dyalog APL.

GNU APL is (to the extent possible) compatible with IBM APL2.
As long as you only use the APL features that are standardized
(which means ISO standard 13751) you are safe and the
differences between APL interpreters still around (Dyalog,
IBM, NGN, and GNU APL) are relatively minor.

If you choose to walk along the Dyalog path (which may make sense
under certain circumstances) then your programs will not be portable
to other APLs or to operating systems not supported by Dyalog.

Same story as Windows for operating systems (more convenient at
the start, but a truckload  of troubles later on). Many like it, some
do not for good reasons (freedom of software etc).

If you only want to learn the basics of APL (as opposed to selling or
sharing your APL programs with others) then any of the different
APL interpreters around should be fine for you and then the proprietary
ones like Dyalog are IMHO better avoided.

I would also assume that Dyalog and IBM APL2 are easier to install
on Windows while GNU APL is easier to install on GNU/Linux or BSD.

Best Regards,
Jürgen


On 12/19/23 12:58, Garjola Dindi wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Thanks for your prompt answer. I will have a look at those. Is
> "Mastering Dyalog APL" compatible with GNU APL? I was affraid that I
> would have trouble with this book if there are example code which only
> works with Dyalog.
>
> Thanks.
>
> G. Dindi
>
> On Tue 19-Dec-2023 at 11:50:33 +01, Dr. Jürgen Sauermann
> <mail@xn--jrgen-sauermann-zvb.de>
> wrote:
> > Hi Gariola,
> >
> > I believe that the simplest way of learning APL is by examples.
> > There are many good books around, for example Dyalogs
> > "Mastering Dyalog APL":
> >
> > https://www.dyalog.com/uploads/documents/MasteringDyalogAPL.pdf
> >
> > I personnaiiy like "APL ― An Interactive Approach" by Gilman and Allen
> > (not sure though if it is the one I used to learn APL). Have a look at:
> >
> > https://aplwiki.com/wiki/Books
> >
> > for more pointers.
> >
> > Best Regards,
> > Jürgen
> >
> > On 12/19/23 09:49, Garjola Dindi wrote:
> >
> >   
> > Hi,
> >
> > Maybe this is not the right place to ask this question. Do not hesitate
> > to tell me so if that’s the case.
> >
> > I am completely new to APL and I am looking for a learning resource
> > (preferably a book, but other media would be fine) that would be
> > compatible with GNU APL. I have found documentation for proprietary
> > versions of APL that I prefer to stay away from and I understand that
> > these have substantial differences wrt GNU APL.
> >
> > I have browsed the resources available at
> > https://www.gnu.org/software/apl/Community.html, but I find them
> > difficult for a beginner like me and I would need a more structured
> > approach to learning APL.
> >
> > Do not hesitate to point me somewhere else if this is not the
> > appropriate forum for my request.
> >
> > Thanks for your time and attention.
> >
> > G. Dindi