J
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The J programming language combines an ASCII encoding of APL as embodied by SHARP APL with functional techniques developed by John Backus for the FP and FL languages. J is characterized by its use of leading axis theory as a foundational design principle and its tacit programming capabilities. Function trains are a key J feature and were later adopted by Dyalog APL. J's primitives consist of a single ASCII character possibly followed by one or two periods (.
) or colons (:
). It is also notable for its use of terms from English grammar to describe the language. For example, functions are called "verbs" while arrays are called "nouns".