An open Letter to Members Interested in the state of the Special Interest Group on Array Programming Languages
In February 2008, SIGAPL was formally dechartered by the SIG Governing Board (SGB). This means that SIGAPL does not exist anymore as an independent Special Interest Group within ACM. However, this does not mean that all activities related to Array programming Languages (APL) ceased to exist within ACM. Following the final vote, it was recommended that the SIGAPL executive committee work with the SIGPLAN leadership to continue SIGAPL activities.
An agreement was reached in the months following the dechartering to ensure that the APL group could continue to exist as a distinct entity. In particular, it was felt important that the “sense of community” does not fade away.
SIGAPL is now identified as the “Special Interest Group on Array Programming Languages”. The change in the meaning of the acronym "APL" is to broaden the scope of the SIG to take in this distinct class of languages.
As a group, we still have the opportunity to have our own web site and newsletter and we can organize activities, including conferences focusing on Array Programming Languages. The Ken Iverson Award will continue to exist. Finally, it is possible for the APL group to have a steering committee. For now, the steering committee is composed of:
- Guy R. Larocque
- Steven Rogers
- Devon McCormick
- Robert G. Brown
- Manuel Alfonseca
- Lynne C. Shaw
This change in the SIGAPL status may be seen as an undesirable and unfortunate turn of events by several members. On the other hand, the almagamation with SIGPLAN may be seen as an opportunity to reach a larger audience interested in programming languages, especially Array Programming Languages. In other words, there is absolutely nothing that restrains us from attracting SIGPLAN members in APL related activities. The choice is up to us now. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of participation to secure the future of the APL SIG. Don’t hesitate to contact any member of the steering committee to share your ideas on the future of the group.The Steering Committee
Last Update: February 19, 2009
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