The Eric Normand Podcast Can Programming Be Liberated from the von Neumann Style?
Nov 9, 2020
Dive into the limitations of traditional programming languages and discover how functional programming offers a revolutionary alternative. Explore a mathematical framework that transforms programs into variables and operations, enhancing software rigor. The discussion critiques the growing complexity of programming paradigms while advocating for clarity through point-free style and higher-order functions. Uncover the constraints of functional systems and their advantages, and learn about the shift toward a functional approach that simplifies programming and proof techniques.
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Languages Aren't Getting Stronger
- Conventional programming languages are becoming larger but not more powerful.
- Their core issues stem from inheriting the von Neumann computer's word-at-a-time style.
Functional Programming as an Alternative
- Functional programming offers an alternative by using combining forms to build programs.
- These programs handle structured data, avoid repetition and recursion, and don't name arguments.
Backus's Functional Style
- Backus's definition of "functional style" differs from today's understanding.
- Languages like Haskell or Clojure represent the modern view of functional programming.