Typing glyphs: Difference between revisions

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=== Linux ===
=== Linux ===


[[Geoff Streeter]] authored a paper, [https://www.dyalog.com/uploads/conference/dyalog10/presentations/P19_Streeter_Keyboards.pdf Supporting APL keyboards on Linux], which was presented at the [https://aplwiki.com/wiki/Dyalog_user_meeting#Dyalog_.2710 Dyalog '10] user meeting. In this paper, Geoff details how APL keyboards can be supported in [[wikipedia:X_Window_System|X11]] using <code>xkb</code>, the [https://www.x.org/wiki/XKB/ X Keyboard Extension].
[[Geoff Streeter]] authored a paper, [https://www.dyalog.com/uploads/conference/dyalog10/presentations/P19_Streeter_Keyboards.pdf Supporting APL keyboards on Linux], which was presented at the [https://aplwiki.com/wiki/Dyalog_user_meeting#Dyalog_.2710 Dyalog '10] user meeting. In this paper, Geoff details how APL keyboards can be supported in [[wikipedia:X_Window_System|X11]] using <source lang=console inline>xkb</source>, the [https://www.x.org/wiki/XKB/ X Keyboard Extension].


Most Linux distributions released after mid-2012 have [https://forums.dyalog.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=210 Dyalog keyboard support] included with the distribution.
Most Linux distributions released after mid-2012 have [https://forums.dyalog.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=210 Dyalog keyboard support] included with the distribution.
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==== setxkbmap ====
==== setxkbmap ====


The simplest way to set up an APL keyboard on Linux is with the following <code>setxkbmap</code> command. Enter the following in your terminal emulator of choice:
The simplest way to set up an APL keyboard on Linux is with the following <source lang=console inline>setxkbmap</source> command. Enter the following in your terminal emulator of choice:


<pre>
<source lang=console>
setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch
setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch
</pre>
</source>


An explanation:
An explanation:


* <code>-layout us,apl</code> assigns <code>us</code> ([[wikipedia:American_English|U.S. English]]) to be the primary layout, whereas <code>apl</code> is secondary
* <source lang=console inline>-layout us,apl</source> assigns <source lang=console inline>us</source> ([[wikipedia:American_English|U.S. English]]) to be the primary layout, whereas <source lang=console inline>apl</source> is secondary


* <code>-option grp:switch</code> assigns <kbd>Right Alt</kbd> to switch to the secondary <code>apl</code> layout when it is pressed, otherwise <code>us</code> is used
* <source lang=console inline>-option grp:switch</source> assigns <kbd>Right Alt</kbd> to switch to the secondary <source lang=console inline>apl</source> layout when it is pressed, otherwise <source lang=console inline>us</source> is used


* <code>-variant ,dyalog</code> assigns the [[Dyalog APL]] variant to the <code>apl</code> layout which contains modifiations unique to the Dyalog language ('''Note the preceding comma''')
* <source lang=console inline>-variant ,dyalog</source> assigns the [[Dyalog APL]] variant to the <source lang=console inline>apl</source> layout which contains modifiations unique to the Dyalog language ('''Note the preceding comma''')


A full list of keys that can be used to switch layouts is included in <code>/usr/share/X11/xkb/rules/evdev.lst</code> under the <code>option</code> category.
A full list of keys that can be used to switch layouts is included in <source lang=console inline>/usr/share/X11/xkb/rules/evdev.lst</source> under the <source lang=console inline>option</source> category.




Line 36: Line 36:
==== LXDE ====
==== LXDE ====


Prepend an <code>@</code> to the <code>setxkbmap</code> command from above, like shown:
Prepend an <source lang=console inline>@</source> to the <source lang=console inline>setxkbmap</source> command from above, like shown:


<pre>
<source lang=console>
@setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch
@setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch
</pre>
</source>


and add it as a line in your user's LXDE <code>auostart</code> file, located at:
and add it as a line in your user's LXDE <source lang=console inline>auostart</source> file, located at:


<pre>
<source lang=console>
~/.config/lxsession/LXDE/autostart
~/.config/lxsession/LXDE/autostart
</pre>
</source>


For Lubuntu versions up to and including 18.04 (before the LXQt split), the location of <code>autostart</code> is <code>~/.config/lxsession/Lubuntu/autostart</code>.
For Lubuntu versions up to and including 18.04 (before the LXQt split), the location of <source lang=console inline>autostart</source> is <source lang=console inline>~/.config/lxsession/Lubuntu/autostart</source>.


==== LXQt ====
==== LXQt ====
Line 54: Line 54:
===== GUI =====
===== GUI =====


From your LXQt panel, navigate to ''Preferences'' → ''LXQt Settings'' → ''Session Settings''; alternatively, enter <code>lxqt-config-session</code> in your terminal emulator. You will be greeted with the following window:
From your LXQt panel, navigate to ''Preferences'' → ''LXQt Settings'' → ''Session Settings''; alternatively, enter <source lang=console inline>lxqt-config-session</source> in your terminal emulator. You will be greeted with the following window:


[[File:Lxqt-session-settings.png|frameless|LXQt Autostart menu of Session Settings window]]
[[File:Lxqt-session-settings.png|frameless|LXQt Autostart menu of Session Settings window]]


Select the <code>LXQt Autostart</code> dropdown (it will be highlighted as shown above) and click the <code>Add</code> button to display the following pop-up window:
Select the <source lang=console inline>LXQt Autostart</source> dropdown (it will be highlighted as shown above) and click the <kbd>Add</kbd> button to display the following pop-up window:


[[File:Lxqt-add-autostart.png|frameless|LXQt add a new autostart menu item]]
[[File:Lxqt-add-autostart.png|frameless|LXQt add a new autostart menu item]]


Name it whatever you want, and enter a <code>setxkbmap</code> command that suits your taste. Shown above is the same command as detailed [[Typing glyphs#setxkbmap| in the setxkbmap section]].
Name it whatever you want, and enter a <source lang=console inline>setxkbmap</source> command that suits your taste. Shown above is the same command as detailed [[Typing glyphs#setxkbmap| in the setxkbmap section]].


===== Terminal =====
===== Terminal =====


The above GUI approach merely creates a <code>.desktop</code> file in the user's <code>~/.config/autostart</code>. Create your own file in the <code>autostart</code> directory whose contents are as follows, to replicate the functionality achieved through the GUI:
The above GUI approach merely creates a <source lang=console inline>.desktop</source> file in the user's <source lang=console inline>~/.config/autostart</source>. Create your own file in the <source lang=console inline>autostart</source> directory whose contents are as follows, to replicate the functionality achieved through the GUI:


<pre>
<source lang=ini>
[Desktop Entry]
[Desktop Entry]
Exec=setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch
Exec=setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch
Line 75: Line 75:
Type=Application
Type=Application
Version=1.0
Version=1.0
</pre>
</source>


==== Xfce ====
==== Xfce ====

Revision as of 17:27, 13 May 2020

APL uses a large range of special graphic symbols to represent most functions and operators. While keyboard mappings become memorized over time, entering APL characters can frustrate the beginner. However, a study involving high school students found that typing and using APL characters did not hinder the students in any measurable way. There are several convenient ways to enter the glyphs.

How to Set up an APL Keyboard

Android

Dzaima's Hacker's Keyboard + APL language uses a long-press to access APL glyphs.

Linux

Geoff Streeter authored a paper, Supporting APL keyboards on Linux, which was presented at the Dyalog '10 user meeting. In this paper, Geoff details how APL keyboards can be supported in X11 using xkb, the X Keyboard Extension.

Most Linux distributions released after mid-2012 have Dyalog keyboard support included with the distribution.

setxkbmap

The simplest way to set up an APL keyboard on Linux is with the following setxkbmap command. Enter the following in your terminal emulator of choice:

setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch

An explanation:

  • -layout us,apl assigns us (U.S. English) to be the primary layout, whereas apl is secondary
  • -option grp:switch assigns Right Alt to switch to the secondary apl layout when it is pressed, otherwise us is used
  • -variant ,dyalog assigns the Dyalog APL variant to the apl layout which contains modifiations unique to the Dyalog language (Note the preceding comma)

A full list of keys that can be used to switch layouts is included in /usr/share/X11/xkb/rules/evdev.lst under the option category.


Note: these changes are not permanent; the user will have to select one of a myriad of methods to run the command on startup. Alternatively, if they use one of the desktop environments listed below, they can follow those instructions.

LXDE

Prepend an @ to the setxkbmap command from above, like shown:

@setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch

and add it as a line in your user's LXDE auostart file, located at:

~/.config/lxsession/LXDE/autostart

For Lubuntu versions up to and including 18.04 (before the LXQt split), the location of autostart is ~/.config/lxsession/Lubuntu/autostart.

LXQt

GUI

From your LXQt panel, navigate to PreferencesLXQt SettingsSession Settings; alternatively, enter lxqt-config-session in your terminal emulator. You will be greeted with the following window:

LXQt Autostart menu of Session Settings window

Select the LXQt Autostart dropdown (it will be highlighted as shown above) and click the Add button to display the following pop-up window:

LXQt add a new autostart menu item

Name it whatever you want, and enter a setxkbmap command that suits your taste. Shown above is the same command as detailed in the setxkbmap section.

Terminal

The above GUI approach merely creates a .desktop file in the user's ~/.config/autostart. Create your own file in the autostart directory whose contents are as follows, to replicate the functionality achieved through the GUI:

[Desktop Entry]
Exec=setxkbmap -layout us,apl -variant ,dyalog -option grp:switch
Name=apl-keyboard
OnlyShowIn=LXQt;
Type=Application
Version=1.0

Xfce

A tutorial specific to Xfce's config files can be found at this GitHub repository.

Text editors

Keyboard layout extensions exist for several popular text editors like VS Code, Emacs and Vim. This can be an alternative, or complementary, to system-wide settings.

Web

Adám Brudzewsky's in-browser language bar adds APL keyboard functionality to most web pages on demand.

Windows

Dyalog APL IME selected in installer

Approaches to Layout and Input

Most of today's APLs use a mapping which derives from the original APL\360 terminals' keyboard layout. For example, Dyalog APL's standard US English layout for is as follows:

┌────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬─────────┐
│~ ⌺ │! ⌶ │@ ⍫ │# ⍒ │$ ⍋ │% ⌽ │^ ⍉ │& ⊖ │* ⍟ │( ⍱ │) ⍲ │_ ! │+ ⌹ │Backspace│
│` ⋄ │1 ¨ │2 ¯ │3 < │4 ≤ │5 = │6 ≥ │7 > │8 ≠ │9 ∨ │0 ∧ │- × │= ÷ │         │
├────┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬──────┤
│Tab    │Q   │W   │E ⍷ │R   │T ⍨ │Y   │U   │I ⍸ │O ⍥ │P ⍣ │{ ⍞ │} ⍬ │| ⊣   │
│       │q ? │w ⍵ │e ∊ │r ⍴ │t ~ │y ↑ │u ↓ │i ⍳ │o ○ │p * │[ ← │] → │\ ⊢   │
├───────┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴┬───┴──────┤
│Caps    │A   │S   │D   │F   │G   │H   │J ⍤ │K ⌸ │L ⌷ │: ≡ │" ≢ │Enter     │
│Lock    │a ⍺ │s ⌈ │d ⌊ │f _ │g ∇ │h ∆ │j ∘ │k ' │l ⎕ │; ⍎ │' ⍕ │          │
├────────┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──┬─┴──────────┤
│Shift      │Z ⊆ │X   │C   │V   │B   │N   │M   │< ⍪ │> ⍙ │? ⍠ │Shift       │
│           │z ⊂ │x ⊃ │c ∩ │v ∪ │b ⊥ │n ⊤ │m | │, ⍝ │. ⍀ │/ ⌿ │            │
└───────────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────────────┘

Additional charts for other layouts are available.

There are multiple ways to access the glyphs associated with a particular key.

Shifting key

It is quite common to use Ctrl or Alt or AltGr (right-side Alt) as an additional shifting key. For example, AltGr+AltGr+4 would give while AltGr+Shift+4 would give .

  • APLX uses AltGr with an option to also use Alt

Prefix key

A prefix key is a special key or character which is entered immediately before typing the corresponding key.

  • TryAPL and ngn/apl's scripted demo interface support ` as prefix key.
  • The Dyalog Unicode IME and the Dyalog RIDE (Remote Integrated Development Environment) uses ` by default, but allows choosing any key as prefix key.
US keyboard with Dyalog APL glyphs

Keyword look-up

  • The Dyalog RIDE (Remote Integrated Development Environment) allows hitting the prefix key (` by default, but configurable) twice, followed by the (beginning of the) name of a symbol or a functionality. It then displays a drop-down of choices with arrow keys to indicate choice and the Tab key to insert the symbol. E.g. `,`,d,i,v,Tab↹ inserts ÷.

ASCII symbol combination

  • Many APL glyphs can be approximated by overlaying or juxtaposing two ASCII characters. ngn/apl's scripted demo interface and Adám Brudzewsky's in-browser language bar allow such a pair of characters and hitting the Tab key to replace them with the corresponding APL character. For example, <,-,Tab↹ will insert and T,o,Tab↹ will insert .

On-screen language bar

Several APL IDEs allow the display of a toolbar with a button for each APL glyph:

Hardware

A couple of keyboards are being sold with APL symbols pre-printed onto the key caps:


APL development [edit]
Interface SessionTyping glyphs (on Linux) ∙ FontsText editors
Publications IntroductionsLearning resourcesSimple examplesAdvanced examplesMnemonicsISO 8485:1989ISO/IEC 13751:2001A Dictionary of APLCase studiesDocumentation suitesBooksPapersVideosAPL Quote QuadVector journalTerminology (Chinese, German) ∙ Neural networksError trapping with Dyalog APL (in forms)
Sharing code Backwards compatibilityAPLcartAPLTreeAPL-CationDfns workspaceTatinCider
Implementation ResourcesOpen-sourceMagic functionPerformanceAPL hardware
Developers Timeline of corporationsAPL2000DyalogIBMIPSASTSC
APL glyphs [edit]
Information GlyphTyping glyphs (on Linux) ∙ UnicodeFontsMnemonicsOverstrikesMigration level
Individual glyphs Jot () ∙ Right Shoe () ∙ Up Arrow () ∙ Zilde () ∙ High minus (¯) ∙ Dot (.) ∙ Del ()