Non-strict semantics: Difference between revisions
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You will not be able to define a function <code>or</code> say in C which returns something if you pass an undefined value (e.g. one that is the result of an infinite loop). In fact, in <code>or(true,infinite_loop())</code>, the code of <code>or</code> will never be run. In Haskell it is possible because you [[Call by demand]]. | You will not be able to define a function <code>or</code> say in C which returns something if you pass an undefined value (e.g. one that is the result of an infinite loop). In fact, in <code>or(true,infinite_loop())</code>, the code of <code>or</code> will never be run. In Haskell it is possible because you [[Call by demand]]. | ||
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Revision as of 15:41, 9 November 2007
Non-strict semantics means that a function can have a definite value although its argument is undefined. E.g. in Haskell you get
Prelude> True || undefined
TrueYou will not be able to define a function or say in C which returns something if you pass an undefined value (e.g. one that is the result of an infinite loop). In fact, in or(true,infinite_loop()), the code of or will never be run. In Haskell it is possible because you Call by demand.