Is APL2 a good programming language?

Abstract

This paper evaluates APL2 in the context of systems development, noting that a language is not an end in itself, but one of several tools used to create an information system. Despite its many good features APL2, when evaluated in that context, has some disadvantages, especially the lack of control structures and data typing. These omissions make finding errors in programs and translating system requirements into programs harder than necessary. These and other disadvantages of APL2 (such as its lack of portability) make its relative unpopularity explicable. Some changes to APL2 are suggested.