Advanced Functional Programming

Module Information

Functional languages represent the leading edge of programming language design, and the primary setting in which new programming concepts are introduced and studied. This module builds upon the introductory module G51FUN Functional Programming, by focussing on a number of more advanced topics in functional programming, including aspects of recent and current research. The precise topics covered will vary from year to year, but will include topics such as programming with effects, reasoning about programs, improving efficiency, and functional pearls.

Coursework

The coursework for the module comprises two extended programming exercises, and will be released here at the appropriate points during the module.

Learning Material

There is no formal textbook required, but the following will be useful for background reading, and some material from the later chapters will be covered:

Lectures will mostly be given at the whiteboard, and students are expected to take their own notes. Some supporting material is available here:

• Introduction
• Review of Haskell
• Solving Sudoku (powerpoint slides)
• Programming with effects
• Reasoning about programs - chapter 13 of Programming in Haskell

Useful Resources

• Module moodle page (internal version of this page)
• Haskell platform (the standard compiler and interpreter);
• Standard prelude (some useful library functions);
• Hoogle (for searching the libraries);
• Haskell home page (for all things Haskell).