Re: CASL v0.95 Abstract Syntax

[pdmosses@brics.dk]

Dear Language Designers,

The role of the abstract syntax is explained at the start of App. A in
the Language Summary.  As expected, the various uses to be made of
abstract syntax - informal explanation, formal semantics, basis for
interchange format, etc. - could motivate various adjustments to the
that provided for CASL v0.95.  In fact I'm currently revising the
abstract syntax grammar, in preparation for v0.96 of the CASL Language
Summary.

I'm particularly receptive to proposals for adjustments which would
simplify the informal explanation, the abstract syntax grammar, and/or
the formal semantics of CASL; also to those which might make the
intended extension to higher-order easier.  Some proposals have
recently been forwarded to this mailing list.  My view is that issues
connected with tools and concrete syntax should currently be of
secondary concern - but of course that does not mean that they are to
be ignored altogether.

If any of you have further proposals for changes to the abstract
syntax, kindly send them to cofi-language@brics.dk by Friday evening
(this week!) at the latest, and I'll try to take account of them in
v0.96.  In the interests of keeping e-mail traffic down, I'll probably
wait with forwarding them to cofi-language until next week.

The preferred format for a proposal for adjustment is:
* Claimed disadvantage(s) of v0.95 CASL abstract syntax
* Proposed change(s) to v0.95 abstract syntax grammar
* Brief discussion of pros and cons of the proposed changes

Best regards

Peter (qua editor of the Language Summary document)

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\  /  | Peter D Mosses         <pdmosses@brics.dk> |
CoFI  | Common Framework Initiative  - Coordinator |
/  \  | WWW URL: http://www.brics.dk/Projects/CoFI |
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