A Unified Computation Model for Functional and Logic Programming

We propose a new computation model which combines the operational principles of functional languages (reduction), logic languages (non-deterministic search for solutions), and integrated functional logic languages (residuation and narrowing). This computation model combines efficient evaluation principles of functional languages with the problem-solving capabilities of logic programming. Since the model allows the delay of function calls which are not sufficiently instantiated, it also supports a concurrent style of programming. We provide soundness and completeness results and show that known evaluation principles of functional logic languages are particular instances of this model. Thus, our model is a suitable basis for future declarative programming languages.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1997
• Where: POPL
• Authors: Michael Hanus
• Keywords: Computation Model, Functional Languages, Functional Logic Languages, POPL 1997, Programming Languages