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Subject: Re: [Caml-list] Why should I use .mli files?

> It makes sense to me that such a signature item in a .ml file should 
> be restricted to being immediately before the value binding it applies 
> to. i.e.
[...]
> This should solve the "skim through the whole ml file" problem.

Not at all. 

The problem is not for a single value. The problem is understanding what this modules actually exports and hence the information flow between the larger program and that module. With this proposal that information is scattered across the whole module among intermediary, hidden, definitions.

An mli summarizes very well the actual interface of the module without being distracted by the way the code is actually organized in the module. It's a huge tool for understanding programs.  

Best,

Daniel