Algebraic effects for modular language semantics: a case study for WebDSL

Olek Wolska


Date: Thu, August 29, 2024
Time: 11:00
Room: Echo - Hall E
Note: This is a MSc thesis defense


WebDSL is a DSL for creating web applications, combining many different aspects and domains of web design in a single language. The dynamic semantics of this language are not defined, despite multiple attempts, abandoned due to complexity of the language and lack of expression of chosen frameworks. We adapt the algebraic effects and handlers approach and the framework introduced in Datatypes a la carte (Swierstra, 2008) to create a truly modular denotational semantics model of WebDSL. We describe obstacles and possible improvements to the chosen framework that can improve the workflow of constructing and maintaining such model. We find the framework to lack lexically scoped effects and other possible improvements to the algebraic effects framework. We discuss the benefits of implementing such denotational model in a dependently typed language and discuss possible improvements to Haskell’s tooling to improve the support of such frameworks. In evaluation of the framework approach with earlier attempts at defining dynamic semantics for WebDSL, we find algebraic effects and handlers to be a viable and successful approach for modelling a rich DSL such as WebDSL, and propose possible improvements to the compiler.

Previous: |
Next: |