Philip Wadler and Erik Meijer: On Programming Language Theory and Practice

Posted By: Charles | May 4th @ 10:02 AM | 32,136 Views | 10 Comments
Lang.NET Symposium 2009 was held on Microsoft's campus (make sure you watch the talks, which are available for your viewing pleasure). We were of course there and conducted several interviews with some of programming language design's brightest thinkers.

Here, Erik Meijer and Philip Wadler discuss the theory and practice of programming language design with C# program manager Mads Torgersen.

Philip is widely known for his significant contributions to functional programming (including Haskell and a classic book - Introduction to Functional Programming(Prentice Hall publisher) that is one of the best introductions to functional programming you can find) and programming language theory. You've learned about Mondas on Channel 9. Well, Philip is the guy that is in part responsible for their wide adoption in FP.

Erik, as you know by now, is co-creator of LINQ, functional programming master, creator of the now unnamed "Volta" technologies, and much more.

This is a great conversation on how theory winds its way into practice and how principles take time to embed themselves into modern language design (most modern languages are built on the ideas formed many years ago, as theoretical principles).  Phillip and Erik also touch on langauge history and futures. Tune in.
Rating:
4
0
#May 4th @ 12:26 PM
exoteric
exoteric
I : Next<I>
*sigh* I just bought second edition, I could've used a more clear warning Wink
#May 5th @ 12:45 AM
Maddus Mattus
Maddus Mattus
Do, or do not. There is no try. - Yoda

My functional programming sense is tingling,...

I will read this book.

Nice shirt again Erik! I think you need to use Robijn Fleur en Fijn, it wont mess up the colours when you wash your shirts Wink

#May 5th @ 6:15 PM
wil2300
wil2300
Super #
Good talk, I am interested in this book as well. But can someone please tell me the name of the book. I amazoned his name but don't even know the title. Thanks in advance (sparky00@gmail.com)
#May 5th @ 7:06 PM
Charles
Charles
Welcome Change
From the post's description text Smiley Introduction to Functional Programming (Prentice Hall)

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Functional-Programming-Prentice-International/dp/0134841891
C
#May 5th @ 8:00 PM
wil2300
wil2300
Super #
Haha sorry I totally didn't read the intro but thanks for the head up!
#May 5th @ 9:03 PM
Charles
Charles
Welcome Change
The great thing about the book is that it is language independent: the focus is squarely on core principles and concepts of functional programming.
Enjoy!
C
#May 6th @ 7:01 PM
wil2300
wil2300
Super #
While I may never have a chance to meet or speak to Erik Meijer, if you remember, tell him that I am (not that you know me either) fast becoming a Haskell geek and its all thanks to his incessant references to Haskell no matter what he talks about. Well after F# I thought it
was natural to hit Haskell as well. Also I am having a great time learning it. Erik is a Haskell Master Jedi, I am still Padawan.

Charles, also, thank for grabbing these guys at Lang.Net and having them talk, esp Gilad Bracha - he is one funny dude.
~sparky
sdasrath.blogspot.com

PS: Also what the hey, the only copy of that book is 400 bucks!
#May 6th @ 7:04 PM
Charles
Charles
Welcome Change
I will tell Erik next time I see him. You're welcome. I love Lang.NET. It's just an awesome thing. Gilad is one of our (Microsoft's) favorite personalities. You're not alone...

C
#May 6th @ 7:31 PM
wil2300
wil2300
Super #
Hey, this logo kinda looks familiar - is it umm Psynosis or something that made Colony Wars for the PS1?
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