Nonce functions

Abstract

Data, functions, and operators exist in divers current APL systems in primitive, derived, and defined forms. Only data primitives occur in an extended literal form, which can be quite complex. This paper introduces a form of function literal, subsequently extended to include operators. Lexical scope is restricted to the minimum to achieve perspicuousness and syntactic predictability. The short expressions which result form convenient, explicit representations of some common trivial functions. They can indirectly simulate trivial operators. Nonce operators can simulate syntactic entities, which have been called transforms, that produce operators. The trade-offs between extra key strokes and symbol clutter are discussed.