Solving a problem by writing a verbose loop lets you think along the surface of the problem. The APL way almost requires thinking harder before writing any code

Solving a problem by writing a verbose loop lets you think along the surface of the problem. The APL way almost requires thinking harder before writing any code, and visualizing the transformations of arrays geometrically. The APL coder often works in a hammock with a pencil and paper, spending much of the time staring out the window. The conventional programmer spends most of the time tapping away. Many people resist this deeper mode of thought, because it hurts, or they’re not used to it. I think that is the root reason that array languages did not become more popular. The reason that Lisp did not become mainstream is similar. It’s not the parentheses, nor the weird characters. It’s the focus that effective use of these languages requires. Of course they are more powerful—far more powerful. But only as extensions to a thought process that normal people do not enjoy or can not exploit.