Re: RFC 231 (v1) Data: Multi-dimensional arrays/hashes and slices

[Ilya Zakharevich]

On Sat, Sep 23, 2000 at 11:32:58AM -0400, Karl Glazebrook wrote:
> Yes this is the point. I guess another way of looking at it is
> saying that 3*@a operates in a list context not a scalar context

Well, this shows that you entirely miss the problem of cryptocontexts.
Context is determined by the "environment" of the operation, not by
the operation.  Context is propagated:

  the-left-hand-side-of-assignment ---> the-right-hand-side-of-assignment
  outside                          ---> inside

About doing numerics with the current Perl: consider arrays as
shapeless aggregates of whatever you can put there.  Vectors are not
shapeless, so cannot be represented by arrays.

Changing Perl in this respect will make one particular mode of
operation a tiny bit simpler, but (without major changes to
cryptocontexting - <PLUG> see for example my interview on perl.com
</PLUG>) will make life much harder in other modes of operation.

Remember: do you do your system mainainance in Mathematica?  Why?
Remember that Wolfram *wanted* you to do this?  Perl5 is much better
balanced.  You are pulling the blanket to your side of the bed.

Ilya