Abstract

Ad-hoc polymorphism is a type of polymorphism where different function definitions can be given the same name. Programming languages utilize constructs like Type classes and Object classes to provide a mechanism for implementing ad-hoc polymorphism. System O, by Odersky, Wadler, and Wehr is a language which defines a dynamic semantics that supports ad-hoc polymorphism. It also describes static type checking for its programs and a transformation to the Hindley/Milner system. In this study, we present extensions to System O by defining constructs that make the language more practical to use. We utilize the dynamic semantics to define the ability to express type classes. We define additional optimizations on the transform that aim to reduce redundant function calls at run-time and simplify the generated code. Finally, we implement an interpreter for this programming language in Clojure, and provide several examples of programs utilizing ad-hoc polymorphism with the constructs we have defined.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Programming languages (Electronic computers); Functional programming (Computer science)

Publication Date

8-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Computer Science (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Computer Science (GCCIS)

Advisor

Arthur Nunes-Harwitt

Advisor/Committee Member

Matthew Fluet

Advisor/Committee Member

James Heliotis

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

COMPSCI-MS

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