Spatial languages: Writing code in 2D
7 hours ago
- The article proposes using 2D spatial notation for programming expressions, allowing vertical writing of infix operators.
- Introduces `andFlip`, a 3-arity operator that toggles a target when both inputs are true, motivating vertical chaining.
- Shows how vertical chaining can reset mutable variables within the same expression, inspired by quantum computing's ancilla uncomputation.
- Demonstrates a 3-bit adder using spatial operators `maj` and `uma`, which clean up after themselves.
- Lists existing spatial languages: Befunge, Orca, Racket's #2dcond, Hexagony, and Ladder logic.
- Argues that spatial notation can make code more intuitive and challenges the bias toward linear code.