Functional Programming Using F♯ Volume 0

"1. Getting started In this chapter we will introduce some of the main concepts of functional programming languages. In particular we will introduce the concepts of value, expression, declaration, recursive function and type. Furthermore, to explain the meaning of programs we will introduce the notions: binding, environment and evaluation of expressions. The purpose of the chapter is to acquaint the reader with these concepts, in order to address interesting problems from the very beginning. The reader will obtain a thorough knowledge of these concepts and skills in applying them as we elaborate on them throughout this book. There is support of both compilation of F# programs to executable code and the execution of programs in an interactive mode. The programs in this book are usually illustrated by the use of the interactive mode. The interface of the interactive F# compiler is very advanced as e.g. structured values like tuples, lists, trees and functions can be communicated directly between the user and the system without any conversions. Thus, it is very easy to experiment with programs and program designs and this allows us to focus on the main structures of programs and program designs, i.e. the core of programming, as input and output of structured values can be handled by the F# system"-- Provided by publisher. "1. Getting started In this chapter we will introduce some of the main concepts of functional programming languages. In particular we will introduce the concepts of value, expression, declaration, recursive function and type. Furthermore, to explain the meaning of programs we will introduce the notions: binding, environment and evaluation of expressions. The purpose of the chapter is to acquaint the reader with these concepts, in order to address interesting problems from the very beginning. The reader will obtain a thorough knowledge of these concepts and skills in applying them as we elaborate on them throughout this book. There is support of both compilation of F# programs to executable code and the execution of programs in an interactive mode. The programs in this book are usually illustrated by the use of the interactive mode. The interface of the interactive F# compiler is very advanced as e.g. structured values like tuples, lists, trees and functions can be communicated directly between the user and the system without any conversions. Thus, it is very easy to experiment with programs and program designs and this allows us to focus on the main structures of programs and program designs, i.e. the core of programming, as input and output of structured values can be handled by the F# system"--Résumé de l'éditeur This comprehensive introduction to the principles of functional programming using F# shows how to apply basic theoretical concepts to produce succinct and elegant programs. It demonstrates the role of functional programming in a wide spectrum of applications including databases and systems. Coverage also includes advanced features in the .NET library, the imperative features of F# and topics such as text processing, sequences, computation expressions and asynchronous computation. With a broad spectrum of examples and exercises, the book is perfect for courses in functional programming and for self-study. Enhancing its use as a text is an accompanying website with downloadable programs, lecture slides, a mini-projects and links to further F# sources. Machine generated contents note: 1. Getting started 2. Values, operators, expressions, and functions 3. Tuples, records, and tagged values 4. Lists 5. Collections: Lists, maps, and sets 6. Finite trees 7. Modules 8. Imperative features 9. Efficiency 10. Text processing programs 11. Sequences 12. Computation expressions 13. Asynchronous and parallel computations.