Re: [Caml-list] recursive modules redux, & interface files

[Hendrik Tews <tews@tcs.inf.tu-dresden.de>]

Hi,

I would like to vote for solutions that work for the common case
when writing large programs, even if they are hacks, considered
from a theoretical point of view.

Xavier Leroy writes:

     [cross module recursion]
   
       A.mli    val x : int                B.mli    val y : int
       A.ml     let x = B.y + 1            B.ml     let y = A.x * 3
   
   We don't know how to evaluate these definitions correctly -- indeed,
   there is no integer solution to this recursive definition.
   
I think that in this case the theoretical cleaness is overrated.
Cross module recursion of functions is soo useful, that it
should be made to work --- even if the solution seems stupid with
respect to the example above.

   [duplications in signatures and structures]

   Is the practical value of this kludge enough to forget that it's a
   kludge?  

Sure.

   Can't we live with the current duplication of concrete type
   definitions in the name of systematic, principled module systems?  

No, at least I cannot. Also here I would suggest to have a
solution that works for the common case. What about changing
include, such that including a signature into a structure
includes all types and all exceptions?


Bye,

Hendrik
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