This easy-to-read paper attempts to position current APL implementations against needed extensions and enhancements to improve the language’s coverage of the needs of both the programmer and the user of programs. The paper is accurate in its positioning of the language features against the functional requirements for a complete language and support environment. The focus, though, seems to be on modest extensions to existing features. Almost all the proposed extensions are accompanied by hints on how to implement them. What is missing are the major leaps that are required to put the language in a competitive position in five years.

Two major topics are not covered: integration of APL with the graphical user interface style, and integration of APL with operating systems, particularly those that conform to the emerging open standards. The paper will be comfortable reading for APL enthusiasts, defines needed extensions for APL providers, and is probably not of particular interest to non-APL readers.