Array Morphology

Array morphology is the study of the form, structure, and evolution of arrays. An array annotation for a program written in an applicative array language is an abstract syntax tree for the program, amended with information about the arrays created by that program. Array notations are useful in the production of efficient compiled code for applicative array programs. Array morphology is shown to be an effective compiler writer's tool.

Examples of an array annotator in action are presented, showing its value in array morphology. Array morphology is shown to provide methods for static detection of certain classes of programming errors.

Assertions are a generalization of declarations that offer significant benefits to application writers as well as compiler writers. Although assertions are executable code, they can often be evaluated at compilation time. Assertions, and therefore declarations, may be represented as conjunctions, and are, therefore, conforming extensions to ISO Standard APL. A domain conjunction is offered as an example of how assertions might be defined in APL or J.

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