Some questions on Slate syntax

[Shaping]

> 1. Why 0-based arrays?
>
> 0-based arrays don't seem to be as intuitive and easy to use as
> 1-based.  If you want to create an array with x elements, the last
> element's index is x-1, rather than just plain old x.  Not only is
> there an extra calculation involved, but if you're careless or just
> happen to typed a typo, you'll get one of those bugs that you'll want
> to slap yourself in the face with.

I have the same question/complaint, despite the slight improvement in 
machine-efficiency it creates.  The convention produces much programmer 
inefficiency--extra thinking/translating/checking.  Counting starts at 1.


Shaping