Lambda the Ultimate - Programming Languages WeblogProgramming languages news, articles and discussionAlgebraic Data Types in JavaScript- June 17, 2008 It is generally known that JavaScript supports a functional style of programming. But because it does not have algebraic data types, the functional programming is usually limited to some simple higher order functions applied to Arrays. I have often build small libraries that allow working with some aspects of algebraic data types in JavaScript. This time I thought is was cool enough to write a bit about it: Algebraic Data Types in JavaScript It includes: a very small footprint unfold, map and..http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2856 Parametric Higher-Order Abstract Syntax for Mechanized Semantics- June 16, 2008 Parametric Higher-Order Abstract Syntax for Mechanized Semantics We present parametric higher-order abstract syntax (PHOAS), a new approach to formalizing the syntax of programming languages in computer proof assistants based on type theory. Like higher-order abstract syntax (HOAS), PHOAS uses the meta language's binding constructs to represent the object language's binding constructs. Unlike HOAS, PHOAS types are definable in general-purpose type theories that support traditional functional.http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2853 Cat Interpreter in JavaScript with Turtle Graphics- June 15, 2008 Ehud recently lamented the lack of small interpreters for people to play with. I thought I would take this as an invitation share my JavaScript version of Cat that supports turtle graphics: http:cat-language.cominterpreter.html The parsing code will definitely make the angels weep and programmers gnash their teeth. Enjoy!http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2851 Programming -- Principles and Practice Using C++- June 13, 2008 I just noticed Stroustrup is about to publish this introductory book. I am stunned on many levels, so I will keep my comments short. In general, this seems like HTDP for C++, that is it is not a comprehensive text about C++ or about CS in general, but rather one aimed at teaching the basics of software construction. This is a good idea, and many have written books with similar goals in the past, of course. I wonder what are the chances that any university not employing Stroustrup will switch to.http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2849 Functional Programming in the ACM CS Curriculum- June 11, 2008 The ACM Curriculum board has re-opened the 2001 design for review. Although ACM is a US-based organization, the curriculum is not only influential at the middle tier of US colleges and universities, but it is also taken seriously by many evolving and developing educational institutions overseas. In recent years, the study of non-OO PLs, and of other key PL topics such as type systems, has grown increasingly marginal in the undergraduate CS curriculum. In particular, the study of functional...http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2845 Back to the future- June 8, 2008 TileStack is an attempt to resurrect HyperCard and bring it to the web. Running online there are going to be limitations about which stacks can be ported, which may reduce the usefulness and impact of this project, but maybe a standalone version will come later. The system compiles Speak (the TileStack version of HyperTalk) to Javascript. If the result is not obfuscated, something I haven't verified, it may be possible to augment the output from TileStack with additional capabilities not...http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2842 2008 ICFP Programming Contest- June 6, 2008 Mark your calendars for Friday, July 11, 2008 to Monday, July 14, 2008: the dates for the eleventh annual ICFP Programming Contest. The ICFP Programming Contest is one of the most advanced and prestigious programming contests, as well as being a chance to show off your programming skills, your favorite languages and tools, and your ability to work as a team. The contest is affiliated with the International Conference on Functional Programming. Teams consisting of one or more...http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2840 Map-reduce-merge: simplified relational data processing on large clusters- June 4, 2008 Map-reduce-merge: simplified relational data processing on large clusters (freely-accessible slides). Hung-chih Yang, Ali Dasdan, Ruey-Lung Hsiao, D. Stott Parker. 2007 ACM SIGMOD conference. Map-Reduce is a programming model that enables easy development of scalable parallel applications to process a vast amount of data on large clusters of commodity machines. Through a simple interface with two functions, map and reduce, this model facilitates parallel implementation of many real-world tasks.http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2836 Applied Proof Theory: Proof Interpretations and their Use in Mathematics- June 4, 2008 I mentioned this book in a recent discussion, but I think it might interest members not following that discussion. Ulrich Kohlenbach presents an applied form of proof theory that has led in recent years to new results in number theory, approximation theory, nonlinear analysis, geodesic geometry and ergodic theory (among others). This applied approach is based on logical transformations (so-called proof interpretations) and concerns the extraction of effective data (such as bounds) from prima...http://lambda-the-ultimate.org/node/2834 |