Abstract not found

. This paper discusses some of the pros and cons of extending a simple functional language called Sac (for Single Assignment C) by array operations similar to those that are available in Apl. The array operations in Sac are based on the /-calculus, an algebra of arrays which provides a formalism for specifying and simplifying array operations in terms of index set manipulations. The programming techniques made possible by Sac are demonstrated by means of a functional program for the approximation of numerical solutions of partial differential equations by multigrid relaxation. This application is not only of practical relevance but also fully exposes the flavors of using high-level array operations. In contrast to specifications in other languages, e.g. in Fortran or Sisal, the Sac program is well structured, reasonably concise, and - what is most important - invariant against dimensionalities and shapes. However, sophisticated compilation techniques are necessary to avoid, whenever po...