APL Execute Symbol

It runs APL code written as text. For example, ⍎'2+3' evaluates the quoted expression and returns 5. The text can contain assignments, functions, branches, or multiple expressions.

The names describe the same glyph, not two characters: Unicode uses down tack jot, while the London Convention, an APL naming convention, uses up tack jot.

APL's ⍕ formats a value as text; ⍎ evaluates text as APL. They connect through text, but they are not interchangeable.

Use ⍎ only when dynamic execution is the point

Treat ⍎ as code execution when its text comes from outside your program. The expression can assign values or run functions, so untrusted text can affect data or systems.

For narrower jobs, use a suitable parser or conversion function such as ⎕VFI, ⎕JSON, or ⎕CSV. If dynamic APL is genuinely required, keep the input controlled and inspect the generated text.

How do I type ⍎?

In Dyalog's documented 2026 layout, press the APL modifier plus semicolon.

That shortcut is specific to Dyalog, not a universal Unicode keystroke. Its APL keyboard mappings can be changed for different layouts, and its Unicode input method depends on application support.