In
programming languages
A programming language is a system of notation for writing computer programs. Most programming languages are text-based formal languages, but they may also be graphical. They are a kind of computer language.
The description of a programming ...
, monomorphization is a
compile-time
In computer science, compile time (or compile-time) describes the time window during which a computer program is compiled.
The term is used as an adjective to describe concepts related to the context of program compilation, as opposed to concept ...
process where
polymorphic function
In programming language theory and type theory, polymorphism is the provision of a single interface (computing), interface to entities of different Data type, types or the use of a single symbol to represent multiple different types.: "Polymorph ...
s are replaced by many monomorphic functions for each unique instantiation. This transformation is desirable, since then the output
intermediate representation
An intermediate representation (IR) is the data structure or code used internally by a compiler or virtual machine to represent source code. An IR is designed to be conducive to further processing, such as optimization and translation. A "good" ...
(IR) will have concrete types and can be optimized better. Furthermore, most IRs are designed to be low-level and do not support polymorphism. Code generated this way is typically faster than
boxed type
In computer science, boxing (a.k.a. wrapping) is the transformation of placing a primitive type within an object so that the value can be used as a reference. Unboxing is the reverse transformation of extracting the primitive value from its wrap ...
s, but may compile slower and take more space due to duplicating the function body.
Example
This is an example of a use of a
generic
Generic or generics may refer to:
In business
* Generic term, a common name used for a range or class of similar things not protected by trademark
* Generic brand, a brand for a product that does not have an associated brand or trademark, other ...
identity function in
Rust
Rust is an iron oxide, a usually reddish-brown oxide formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the catalytic presence of water or air moisture. Rust consists of hydrous iron(III) oxides (Fe2O3·nH2O) and iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (FeO(OH ...
fn id(x: T) -> T
fn main()
After monomorphization, this would become
fn id_i32(x: i32) -> i32
fn id_str(x: &str) -> &str
fn main()
See also
*
Parametric polymorphism
In programming languages and type theory, parametric polymorphism allows a single piece of code to be given a "generic" type, using variables in place of actual types, and then instantiated with particular types as needed. Parametrically polymorph ...
*
Type erasure In programming languages, type erasure is the load-time process by which explicit type annotations are removed from a program, before it is executed at run-time. Operational semantics that do not require programs to be accompanied by types are ca ...
*
Template (C++)
Template may refer to:
Tools
* Die (manufacturing), used to cut or shape material
* Mold, in a molding process
* Stencil, a pattern or overlay used in graphic arts (drawing, painting, etc.) and sewing to replicate letters, shapes or designs
Co ...
References
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Polymorphism (computer science)