Explore the challenges and rewards of learning APL in this 25-minute conference talk from Dyalog '23. Gain insights from Brandon Wilson's perspective as a self-learner and industry developer, delving into the good aspects of entering the APL world, as well as the hurdles faced by intermediate learners. Discover how documentation often assumes prior knowledge, the uniqueness of workspace-first workflows, and the scarcity of resources for applying APL thinking to larger systems. Consider the potential of apprenticeship models in bridging knowledge gaps, and examine the difficulties in mapping array concepts to problem domains. Uncover suggestions for materials that could benefit self-learners, personal pain points in the learning journey, and key takeaways for both newcomers and experienced APL users.
Overview
Syllabus
My perspective as a self-learner and industry developer
Good points about my entry into APL
Documentation assumes prior knowledge
Workspace-first workflow is unusual
Lacking intermediate resources to apply APL thinking to larger systems
Bridging the gap with the apprenticeship model
The challenge of mapping array concepts onto a problem domain
What kind of materials would help self-learners?
Personal pain points
Conclusions
Taught by
Dyalog User Meetings
