Teaching computer science with APL
Stewart A. Denenberg, Howard A. Peelle · ACM SIGAPL APL Quote Quad · 1979
We suggest that APL be used to teach selected topics in computer science. As a case in point, we take the topic: “An Introduction to Search Procedures for Problem-Solving” This is the first topic in a series of experimental curriculum units currently being developed at the University of Massachusetts. In this paper, recursive APL functions are used to demonstrate fundamental search procedures, namely: Breadth-First Search Depth-First Search Random Search Heuristic Search For illustration, a simplified Water Jug Problem is used with a state-space representation. The reader is invited to consider programming enhancements as well as extensions to other problems. In closing, we cite some other topics potentially suitable for teaching with APL and mention implications for computer-science education.