Scala for generic programmers

Datatype-generic programming involves parametrization by the shape of data, in the form of type constructors such as `list of'. Most approaches to datatype-generic programming are developed in the lazy functional programming language Haskell. We argue that the functional object-oriented language Scala is in many ways a better setting. Not only does Scala provide equivalents of all the necessary functional programming features (such parametric polymorphism, higher-order functions, higher-kinded type operations, and type- and constructor-classes), but it also provides the most useful features of object-oriented languages (such as subtyping, overriding, traditional single inheritance, and multiple inheritance in the form of traits). We show how this combination of features benefits datatype-generic programming, using three different approaches as illustrations. Categories and Subject Descriptors D.3.3 [Programming Languages]: Language Constructs and Features General Terms Languages ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2008
• Where: ICFP
• Authors: Bruno C. D. S. Oliveira, Jeremy Gibbons
• Keywords: Functional Programming Features, Functional Programming Language, ICFP 2008, Programming Involves Parametrization, Programming Languages