Testing Polymorphic Properties

Abstract. This paper is concerned with testing properties of polymorphic functions. The problem is that testing can only be performed on specific monomorphic instances, whereas parametrically polymorphic functions are expected to work for any type. We present a schema for constructing a monomorphic instance for a polymorphic property, such that correctness of that single instance implies correctness for all other instances. We also give a formal definition of the class of polymorphic properties the schema can be used for. Compared to the standard method of testing such properties, our schema leads to a significant reduction of necessary test cases. Key words: polymorphism, parametricity, initiality, testing

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2010
• Where: ESOP
• Authors: Jean-Philippe Bernardy, Patrik Jansson and Koen Claessen
• Keywords: ESOP 2010, Instance Implies Correctness, Polymorphic Functions, Polymorphic Properties, Programming Languages