The Description of Data Structures for Statistical Computing

An approach to multidimensional data array processing by computer

“….., Li needs attention and can be achieved in a variety of presentations, but again the notation of Algol 68 and the power of representation through "stowed values, structures" seems very adequate. However, one may prefer the approaches suggested by Gower [7], Iverson [8], or 'Nelder [13]. If one also wants to take into account explicitly the computer environment, including specific 73 devices, then the language specification by Chambers [2] should be considered.…”

“…The type of more general restructuring of an array by nesting and crossing may be desirable and can be specified by the types of techniques developed by Claringbold [3], Gower [7], or Nelder [13].…”

“…Unfortunately, if the number of relevant classification categories is large, this approach can be very demanding in terms of the number of categories and control specifications that must be prepared. Several statisticians have approached the general problem, as it relates to the organization of arrays for experimental designs, by the introduction of special operators (sometimes called data structure operators) as in the papers by Claringbold [3], Gower [7], Nelder [13], and Yates [17]. Earlier undertakings involved operations on individual elements of tables, such as the SCAN operator developed by Gower [6].…”