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Wikipedia includes a thorough treatment of [[Wikipedia:dfns|dfns]].
Wikipedia includes a thorough treatment of [[Wikipedia:dfns|dfns]].
== Examples ==
<source lang=apl>
      {⍵*0.5} 16        ⍝ square root
4
      3 {⍵*÷⍺} 27      ⍝ ⍺th root
3
      ⍝ Multiline dfn with optional left parameter
      root←{
          ⍺←2          ⍝ square root by default
          ⍵*÷⍺          ⍝ result
      }
</source>
== External links ==
== External links ==
* [[wikipedia:Direct function|Direct function]]
* [[wikipedia:Direct function|Direct function]]
=== Tutorials ===
=== Tutorials ===
* APL Cultivation: [https://chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/52405/conversation/lesson-2-diving-into-functions-in-apl Diving Into Functions in APL]
* APL Cultivation: [https://chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/52405/conversation/lesson-2-diving-into-functions-in-apl Diving Into Functions in APL]
* Mastering Dyalog: [https://www.dyalog.com/uploads/documents/MasteringDyalogAPL.pdf#page=174 page 174]
* Mastering Dyalog: [https://www.dyalog.com/uploads/documents/MasteringDyalogAPL.pdf#page=174 page 174]
=== Documentation ===
=== Documentation ===
* [https://help.dyalog.com/latest/#Language/Defined%20Functions%20and%20Operators/DynamicFunctions/Dynamic%20Functions%20and%20Operators.htm Dyalog]
* [https://help.dyalog.com/latest/#Language/Defined%20Functions%20and%20Operators/DynamicFunctions/Dynamic%20Functions%20and%20Operators.htm Dyalog]

Revision as of 08:34, 2 August 2020

A dfn (contraction of direct function or dynamic function, pronounced "dee fun") is an alternative way to define a function and operator, invented by John Scholes. A dfn operator can also be called a dop (pronounced "dee op").

John Scholes was responsible for numerous presentations and publications on and about dfns, and until his passing he maintained the dfns website.

As of 2020, dfns are fully implemented in Dyalog APL, NARS2000, ngn/apl, dzaima/APL, and partially in GNU APL, although not all dialects implement lexical scoping, in contrast to the dynamic scoping of tradfns. In other words, a dfn cannot "see" locals of its caller, but can see locals of its definer.

Wikipedia includes a thorough treatment of dfns.

Examples

      {⍵*0.5} 16        ⍝ square root
4
      3 {⍵*÷⍺} 27       ⍝ ⍺th root
3
      ⍝ Multiline dfn with optional left parameter
      root←{
          ⍺←2           ⍝ square root by default
          ⍵*÷⍺          ⍝ result
      }

External links

Tutorials

Documentation


APL syntax [edit]
General Comparison with traditional mathematicsPrecedenceTacit programming (Train, Hook, Split composition)
Array Numeric literalStringStrand notationObject literalArray notation (design considerations)
Function ArgumentFunction valenceDerived functionDerived operatorNiladic functionMonadic functionDyadic functionAmbivalent functionDefined function (traditional)DfnFunction train
Operator OperandOperator valenceTradopDopDerived operator
Assignment MultipleIndexedSelectiveModified
Other Function axisBracket indexingBranchStatement separatorQuad nameSystem commandUser commandKeywordDot notationFunction-operator overloadingControl structureComment