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I like how the array named 'map' reflects our original use of this word, rather than the special meaning which it has acquired to programmers. In Javascript an
by strainer 8y ago
I like how the array named 'map' reflects our original use of this word, rather than the special meaning which it has acquired to programmers.
In Javascript and other languages 'map' has become a kind of "functional operation" so we cant call things 'map' anymore (in public). We have to say 'space' or 'state' or 'grid' or something... but I do still think 'map' was good.
Congratulations on a very efficient and readable project.
Bravo !
- FPGAhacker 8y agoProgrammers got it from mathematicians. I had the impression it was a fairly long standing use of the word.
- jacobolus 8y agoMathematicians got it directly from cartography. A “map” “maps” points from one set of coordinates to another, for example when you want to plot latitude and longitude on a flat paper.
- strainer 8y agoI expect ideas of mapping functions are only a couple of hundred years old at most, and really quite obscure to most people who are just familiar with the concept of 'maps' and 'mapping' things 'out'. In functional programming I understand map as just a clone and convert operation. I noticed C++ has a 'map' data structure which is most suitable for associating references. A C++ map is not suitable for storing positions in space.