Re: [Bug-apl] Overbar not allowed in Gnu APL variable names but is in ISO/IEC 13751:2000(E)

[Juergen Sauermann]

Hi Fred,

I have added overbar to the characters allowed in variable names. see 
SVN 121.

I haven't seen ¯ in variable names either, but IBM APL2 supports them and
so do we now. Note that ∆ and ⍙ are also valid characters (even as first 
character) in names.

I would not use ⍺, ⍶, ⍵, and ⍹ because they have a special meaning in 
lambdas (aka. direct functions).
and should not (but can) be used outside lambdas. Using them outside 
lambdas may affect portability.

/// Jürgen


On 02/11/2014 12:06 AM, Frederick H. Pitts wrote:
> Gentle persons,
>
>         On page 41 of ISO/IEC 13751:2000(E), the literal-identifier (which is
> the same thing as a variable name) is defined to be composed of a letter
> followed by zero or more letters, digits, underbars and overbars.  The
> overbar is also used to distinguish negative numbers per the standards
> document.
>
>         When I attempt to use the overbar in a variable name in Gnu APL, svn
> 116, a SYNTAX ERROR is reported.
>
>         I have to admit I've never seen the overbar used in an APL variable
> name.  On the other hand, having more symbols to chose from when one is
> creating variable names is a plus for me.  I am pleased to find that the
> standalone alpha and omega symbols can be used as variable name.
>
> Regards,
>
> Fred