AUTOMAT, an end-user approach in handling applications as multi-dimensional arrays

Abstract

“AUTOMAT” is an end user, general purpose tool developed initially in APL-SV currently running under VSAPL and APL2 (IBM PC version currently under consideration).

The basic underlying concept is to tap the power of APL in handling multi-dimensional arrays, and make it available to the end user in a very natural and intuitive fashion.

The productivity gains generated by the system are extremely high, as a new application can be set up in terms of fraction of hours, with immediately usable results.

A lot of provisions have been made to handle instantaneously any changes in the structures, whether they are due to new business requirements or to initially overlooked facts.

The system has been and still is successfully used for Data consolidation / analysis, Planning Models and application prototypes. The use of APL as internal language enables the system to communicate very easily with other applications (e.g. Graphics).

Index Terms

• Mathematics of computing

  • Mathematical analysis

    • Differential equations

      • Ordinary differential equations

      • Partial differential equations

    • Nonlinear equations

• Software and its engineering

  • Software notations and tools

    • General programming languages

      • Language types