K is a concise and powerful array-oriented programming language designed for speed and expressiveness. It prioritizes right-to-left evaluation, uses a small set of built-in symbols for a wide range of operations, and features implicit iteration over arrays. This allows complex data transformations to be expressed with minimal code. K leverages a dictionary-like structure called an associative array as its core data type, facilitating easy handling of key-value pairs. The language is intended for building high-performance applications, particularly in domains like finance where efficient data manipulation is crucial. Its terse syntax and powerful primitives make it ideal for rapid prototyping and concise expression of algorithms.
The introductory chapter of this nascent electronic publication, tentatively titled "The K Book," embarks on an ambitious endeavor to elucidate the K programming language, positioning it as a potent tool for concise and efficient manipulation of data. The author meticulously underscores K's minimalist design philosophy, characterizing it as a language stripped down to its essential components, reminiscent of other terse yet powerful languages like APL. This inherent succinctness, while potentially appearing daunting to the novice, is presented as K's very strength, enabling the expression of complex computations with remarkable brevity.
The introduction further elaborates upon the anticipated readership of this work, presuming a foundational understanding of programming concepts but not necessarily prior experience with array-oriented languages or K itself. The author extends an invitation to both newcomers intrigued by K's unique approach and seasoned programmers seeking a fresh perspective on data manipulation. The core ambition of the book is to equip readers with a comprehensive understanding of K's underlying principles and mechanics, culminating in the ability to not only read and comprehend existing K code but also to confidently craft their own solutions to intricate computational challenges.
The chapter highlights K's distinctive features, emphasizing its array-oriented paradigm, where data is primarily handled in collections rather than individual units. This, coupled with K's rich vocabulary of built-in functions and operators tailored for array processing, grants it exceptional dexterity in manipulating and transforming data structures. The author subtly alludes to the inherent elegance of this approach, suggesting that the concise syntax of K often mirrors the underlying mathematical elegance of the operations being performed.
Finally, the introduction outlines the pedagogical structure of the forthcoming chapters, promising a systematic progression from fundamental concepts to more advanced topics. It hints at a practical, example-driven approach, guiding readers through progressively more complex applications of K's features, ultimately equipping them with the proficiency to wield K's expressive power for a wide range of computational tasks. This introductory passage serves as an enticing prelude, inviting readers to embark on a journey of discovery into the realm of K programming and its remarkable potential for concise and efficient data manipulation.
Summary of Comments ( 97 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42999650
HN users discuss K's terse syntax, powerful array-oriented programming, and steep learning curve. Some find its conciseness appealing, comparing it favorably to APL and J, while others find it overly cryptic. Several commenters mention its historical influence on other languages and databases like kdb+. Performance is a recurring theme, with users noting K's speed and efficiency. The lack of free, readily available learning resources is also highlighted as a barrier to entry, though some point to the "K Book" mentioned in the submission as a useful starting point. The community appears small but dedicated, with experienced K programmers offering insights and resources to those curious about the language.
The Hacker News post "What about K?" discussing the linked K language tutorial sparked a lively conversation with several compelling comments. Many commenters focused on the language's unique characteristics, both positive and negative.
Several users pointed out the extreme terseness and symbolic nature of K, acknowledging its power for concise expression but also its steep learning curve and difficulty in reading and understanding code written by others. One commenter compared it to APL, another array-oriented language known for its symbolic nature, and described K as "APL taken to its logical extreme." Another user highlighted its connection to functional programming, noting that K's focus on composition and tacit programming aligns with functional programming principles.
The discussion also touched upon the practical applications of K, with some commenters mentioning its use in finance, particularly for high-performance computing and data analysis. One commenter specifically noted its prevalence in high-frequency trading due to its efficiency. However, other commenters questioned its broader applicability outside of niche domains, citing the difficulty of learning and maintaining K code as potential barriers to wider adoption.
Performance was another recurring theme, with several users highlighting K's speed and efficiency. This ties back to its use in finance, where performance is critical. However, this performance comes at the cost of readability and maintainability, as noted by other commenters.
The thread also included discussion of K's history and evolution, with mentions of Arthur Whitney, the creator of K, and its relationship to other array-oriented languages like APL and J. One comment explored the lineage from APL to A+ to K, providing context for K's design and philosophy.
A few commenters expressed skepticism about K's long-term relevance, questioning whether its benefits outweigh its drawbacks in the context of modern software development practices. The challenging syntax and limited community support were cited as potential reasons for its niche status.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News paint a picture of K as a powerful but esoteric language with a dedicated following in specific domains. While its performance and conciseness are attractive features, its steep learning curve and challenging syntax present significant barriers to wider adoption. The discussion highlights the trade-offs between performance, expressiveness, and maintainability inherent in different programming language paradigms.