Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for translating computer programs in an application from an array source language--having attributes of APL--to a scalar target language. In particular, source language primitive functions--which can be used in different cases--are represented by archetypes having code that is selectable based on applicable case(s). In determining which case (or cases) applies, each program is re-structured into a sequence of simple source language expressions and a static analysis is performed. The static analysis, which includes a shape analysis of arrays in a program, provides information useful in determining cases for archetypes and for determining whether code generated for a particular simple expression may be beneficially merged with code generated for another simple expression.