Algebraic Data Types, Categorically
summary
Claims that algebraic data types are precisely models of Lawvere (algebraic) theories and that these models appear as polynomial functors with arrows p(X) → X. Uses category theory notions: finite-arity operation symbols, free algebras, initial algebra as the least fixed point producing inductive types (Peano naturals, lists in Scala) and the dual terminal coalgebra for infinite streams. Builds the algebra-as-arrow representation and shows catamorphisms as the canonical fold; examples compile to working type constructors.
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chapters (14)
- 0:00Intro
- 2:20Notation
- 4:08Functions
- 5:51Algebraic Theory
- 10:00Piano Theory
- 11:14Monoid Theory
- 12:27Models
- 15:26Piano
- 16:56Scala
- 20:17Model
- 21:25Examples
- 24:28Polynomials
- 26:44Structuresmorphism
- 27:30Fixed Points
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