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A Linearly Typed Assembly Language

Author
Cheney, James; Morrisett, Greg
Abstract
Today's type-safe low-level languages rely on garbage collection to
recycle heap-allocated objects safely. We present LTAL, a safe, low-level, yet simple language that ``stands on its own'': it guarantees safe execution within a fixed memory space, without relying on external run-time support. We demonstrate the expressiveness of LTAL by giving a type-preserving compiler for the functional core of ML. But this independence comes at a steep price: LTAL's type system imposes a draconian discipline of linearity that ensures that memory can be reused safely, but prohibits any useful kind of sharing. We present the results of experiments with a prototype LTAL system that show just how high the price of linearity can be.
Date Issued
2003-06-04Publisher
Cornell University
Subject
computer science; technical report
Previously Published As
http://techreports.library.cornell.edu:8081/Dienst/UI/1.0/Display/cul.cis/TR2003-1900
Type
technical report