>> In other words, the Iota calculus means you write whole programs that 
>> just consist of X's and brackets. That's all! Basically, the shape of 
>> the parse tree is the program! o_O

>>   X(X(XX)X(X)X(XXX)X(X)X(X(XX)))X(X(X))))X(X)...

> I think this is the invention of a sick mind. My brain hurts.
> 
> Why would someone want to do this? (other than the obvious self-abuse?)

To prove it can be done.

It's an interesting theoretical question: "How simple can a programming 
language be before it stops working?"

The answer - apparently - is "extremely simple".

As I said, as the language gets simpler, all the programs become more 
complex. Until, eventually, you arrive at the Iota calculus, the 
simplest programming language that can exist. And its programs are 
FREAKIN CRAZY!

I just wish there was some way to "run" these programs to prove that 
they do actually work, and it's not just line noise. ;-)

-- 
http://blog.orphi.me.uk/
http://www.zazzle.com/MathematicalOrchid*

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