APL learning bugs

Abstract

This paper discusses common mistakes novices make when learning to program in APL. We present several exemplary APL “learning bugs”, describe the context in which they occur, indicate why we believe they are interesting, and speculate about underlying thinking processes. We claim that such learning bugs are worth examining: further study may yield insight into barriers to wider acceptance of APL, better understanding may lead to more effective APL teaching, and deeper analysis may hold implications for APL designers. bug...1: obs: bogey, bugbear (bugaboo): an imaginary object of fear; a source of concern 2: an insect or other creeping or crawling invertebrate... 3: an unexpected defect, fault, flaw, or imperfection 4: a disease-producing germ; also: a disease caused by it 5: a fad 6: enthusiast, hobbyist (obs: a crazy person) 7: a prominent person 8: a concealed listening device 9: a handicap (adapted from Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam Co., Springfield, MA, 1977)