Isomorphisms considered as equalities

Abstract

We propose an implementation of lambda+, a recently introduced simply typed lambda-calculus with pairs where isomorphic types are made equal. The rewrite system of lambda+ is a rewrite system modulo an equivalence relation, which makes its implementation non-trivial. We also extend lambda+ with natural numbers and general recursion and use Beki\'c's theorem to split mutual recursions. This splitting, together with the features of lambda+, allows for a novel way of program transformation by reduction, by projecting a function before it is applied in order to simplify it. Also, currying together with the associativity and commutativity of pairs gives an enhanced form of partial application.