Combinator library

A combinator library is a software library which implements combinators for a functional programming language; "the key idea is this: a combinator library offers functions (the combinators) that combine functions together to make bigger functions". These kinds of libraries are particularly useful for allowing domain-specific programming languages to be easily embedded into a general purpose language by defining a few primitive functions for the given domain and turning over the task of expanding higher-level constructs to the general language. An example would be the monadic Parsec parser [1] for Haskell. The library approach allows the parsers to be first-class citizens of the language.

See also

• Run-time system
• QuickCheck
• Pointless programming

External links

• Daan Leijen and Erik Meijer (2001). Parsec: Direct Style Monadic Parser Combinators for the Real World. Department of Computer Science, Universiteit Utrecht. UU-CS-2001-27.
• Daan Leijen and Erik Meijer (October 1999). Domain Specific Embedded Compilers (PDF). Austin, Texas. pp. 109–122. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |booktitle= ignored (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
• Hughes, John (1995). Jeuring, J. and Meijer, E. (ed.). The Design of a Pretty-printing Library. Vol. 925. Springer Verlag. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |booktitle= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)