Hindley–Milner Type Inference Algorithm
The algorithm first used to perform type inference is now informally referred to as the Hindley–Milner algorithm, although the algorithm should properly be attributed to Damas and Milner.
The origin of this algorithm is the type inference algorithm for the simply typed lambda calculus, which was devised by Haskell Curry and Robert Feys in 1958. In 1969 J. Roger Hindley extended this work and proved that their algorithm always inferred the most general type. In 1978 Robin Milner, independently of Hindley's work, provided an equivalent algorithm, Algorithm W. In 1982 Luis Damas finally proved that Milner's algorithm is complete and extended it to support systems with polymorphic references.
Read more about this topic: Type Inference
Famous quotes containing the words type and/or inference:
“We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in which the action takes place, but employs and encourages those thoughts and feelings which help transform the field itself.”
—Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956)
“I shouldn’t want you to be surprised, or to draw any particular inference from my making speeches, or not making speeches, out there. I don’t recall any candidate for President that ever injured himself very much by not talking.”
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)