Themes in information-rich functional programming for internet-scale data sources,”

Abstract The F# language includes a feature called "F# 3.0 Type Providers" to support the integration of internet-scale information sources into a strongly typed functional-first programming environment. In this position paper we describe the key themes in information-rich functional programming that we have observed during this work. Our contribution is to document these themes and highlight future challenges and opportunities, in the context of a recently released, practical, open-source system for informationrich functional programming. We believe that this area is rich in excellent opportunities for future language and tooling research, information-space integration and schematization techniques

Against a Universal Definition of 'Type'

What is the definition of 'type'? Having a clear and precise answer to this question would avoid many misunderstandings and prevent meaningless discussions that arise from them. But having such clear and precise answer to this question would also hurt science, "hamper the growth of knowledge" and "deflect the course of investigation into narrow channels of things already understood". In this essay, I argue that not everything we work with needs to be precisely defined. There are many definitions used by different communities, but none of them applies universally. A brief excursion into philosophy of science shows that this is not just tolerable, but necessary for progress. Philosophy also suggests how we can think about this imprecise notion of type