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takeUntilMax :: [Int] -> Int -> (Int, [Int])
takeUntilMax [] m = (m, [])
takeUntilMax [x] _ = (x, [x])
takeUntilMax (x:xs) m
| x == m = (x, [x])
| otherwise =
let (m', xs') = takeUntilMax xs m
in (max m' x, x:xs')
doTakeUntilMax :: [Int] -> [Int]
doTakeUntilMax l = l'
where (m, l') = takeUntilMax l m
takeUntilMax' :: [Int] -> Int -> (Int, [Int])
takeUntilMax' [] m = (m, [])
takeUntilMax' [x] _ = (x, [x])
takeUntilMax' (x:xs) m
| x == m = (maximum (x:xs), [x])
| otherwise =
let (m', xs') = takeUntilMax' xs m
in (max m' x, x:xs')

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import Data.Map as Map
import Data.Maybe
import Control.Applicative
data Element = A | B | C | D
deriving (Eq, Ord, Show)
addElement :: Element -> Map Element Int -> Map Element Int
addElement = alter ((<|> Just 1) . fmap (+1))
getScore :: Element -> Map Element Int -> Float
getScore e m = fromMaybe 1.0 $ ((1.0/) . fromIntegral) <$> Map.lookup e m
data BinaryTree a = Empty | Node a (BinaryTree a) (BinaryTree a) deriving Show
type ElementTree = BinaryTree Element
type ScoredElementTree = BinaryTree (Element, Float)
assignScores :: ElementTree -> Map Element Int -> (Map Element Int, ScoredElementTree)
assignScores Empty m = (Map.empty, Empty)
assignScores (Node e t1 t2) m = (m', Node (e, getScore e m) t1' t2')
where
(m1, t1') = assignScores t1 m
(m2, t2') = assignScores t2 m
m' = addElement e $ unionWith (+) m1 m2
doAssignScores :: ElementTree -> ScoredElementTree
doAssignScores t = t'
where (m, t') = assignScores t m

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@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
data ExprType
= IntType
| BoolType
| StringType
| PairType ExprType ExprType
repr : ExprType -> Type
repr IntType = Int
repr BoolType = Bool
repr StringType = String
repr (PairType t1 t2) = Pair (repr t1) (repr t2)
decEq : (a : ExprType) -> (b : ExprType) -> Maybe (a = b)
decEq IntType IntType = Just Refl
decEq BoolType BoolType = Just Refl
decEq StringType StringType = Just Refl
decEq (PairType lt1 lt2) (PairType rt1 rt2) = do
subEq1 <- decEq lt1 rt1
subEq2 <- decEq lt2 rt2
let firstEqual = replace {P = \t1 => PairType lt1 lt2 = PairType t1 lt2} subEq1 Refl
let secondEqual = replace {P = \t2 => PairType lt1 lt2 = PairType rt1 t2} subEq2 firstEqual
pure secondEqual
decEq _ _ = Nothing
data Op
= Add
| Subtract
| Multiply
| Divide
data Expr
= IntLit Int
| BoolLit Bool
| StringLit String
| BinOp Op Expr Expr
| IfElse Expr Expr Expr
| Pair Expr Expr
| Fst Expr
| Snd Expr
data SafeExpr : ExprType -> Type where
IntLiteral : Int -> SafeExpr IntType
BoolLiteral : Bool -> SafeExpr BoolType
StringLiteral : String -> SafeExpr StringType
BinOperation : (repr a -> repr b -> repr c) -> SafeExpr a -> SafeExpr b -> SafeExpr c
IfThenElse : SafeExpr BoolType -> SafeExpr t -> SafeExpr t -> SafeExpr t
NewPair : SafeExpr t1 -> SafeExpr t2 -> SafeExpr (PairType t1 t2)
First : SafeExpr (PairType t1 t2) -> SafeExpr t1
Second : SafeExpr (PairType t1 t2) -> SafeExpr t2
typecheckOp : Op -> (a : ExprType) -> (b : ExprType) -> Either String (c : ExprType ** repr a -> repr b -> repr c)
typecheckOp Add IntType IntType = Right (IntType ** (+))
typecheckOp Subtract IntType IntType = Right (IntType ** (-))
typecheckOp Multiply IntType IntType = Right (IntType ** (*))
typecheckOp Divide IntType IntType = Right (IntType ** div)
typecheckOp _ _ _ = Left "Invalid binary operator application"
requireBool : (n : ExprType ** SafeExpr n) -> Either String (SafeExpr BoolType)
requireBool (BoolType ** e) = Right e
requireBool _ = Left "Not a boolean."
typecheck : Expr -> Either String (n : ExprType ** SafeExpr n)
typecheck (IntLit i) = Right (_ ** IntLiteral i)
typecheck (BoolLit b) = Right (_ ** BoolLiteral b)
typecheck (StringLit s) = Right (_ ** StringLiteral s)
typecheck (BinOp o l r) = do
(lt ** le) <- typecheck l
(rt ** re) <- typecheck r
(ot ** f) <- typecheckOp o lt rt
pure (_ ** BinOperation f le re)
typecheck (IfElse c t e) =
do
ce <- typecheck c >>= requireBool
(tt ** te) <- typecheck t
(et ** ee) <- typecheck e
case decEq tt et of
Just p => pure (_ ** IfThenElse ce (replace p te) ee)
Nothing => Left "Incompatible branch types."
typecheck (Pair l r) =
do
(lt ** le) <- typecheck l
(rt ** re) <- typecheck r
pure (_ ** NewPair le re)
typecheck (Fst p) =
do
(pt ** pe) <- typecheck p
case pt of
PairType _ _ => pure $ (_ ** First pe)
_ => Left "Applying fst to non-pair."
typecheck (Snd p) =
do
(pt ** pe) <- typecheck p
case pt of
PairType _ _ => pure $ (_ ** Second pe)
_ => Left "Applying snd to non-pair."
eval : SafeExpr t -> repr t
eval (IntLiteral i) = i
eval (BoolLiteral b) = b
eval (StringLiteral s) = s
eval (BinOperation f l r) = f (eval l) (eval r)
eval (IfThenElse c t e) = if (eval c) then (eval t) else (eval e)
eval (NewPair l r) = (eval l, eval r)
eval (First p) = fst (eval p)
eval (Second p) = snd (eval p)
resultStr : {t : ExprType} -> repr t -> String
resultStr {t=IntType} i = show i
resultStr {t=BoolType} b = show b
resultStr {t=StringType} s = show s
resultStr {t=PairType t1 t2} (l,r) = "(" ++ resultStr l ++ ", " ++ resultStr r ++ ")"
tryEval : Expr -> String
tryEval ex =
case typecheck ex of
Left err => "Type error: " ++ err
Right (t ** e) => resultStr $ eval {t} e
main : IO ()
main = putStrLn $ tryEval $ BinOp Add (Fst (IfElse (BoolLit True) (Pair (IntLit 6) (BoolLit True)) (Pair (IntLit 7) (BoolLit False)))) (BinOp Multiply (IntLit 160) (IntLit 2))

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@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
--- ---
title: "Time Traveling In Haskell: How It Works And How To Use It" title: "Time Traveling In Haskell: How It Works And How To Use It"
date: 2020-05-03T20:05:29-07:00 date: 2020-07-30T00:58:10-07:00
tags: ["Haskell"] tags: ["Haskell"]
draft: true
--- ---
I recently got to use a very curious Haskell technique I recently got to use a very curious Haskell technique
@ -10,8 +9,7 @@ I recently got to use a very curious Haskell technique
As production as research code gets, anyway! As production as research code gets, anyway!
{{< /sidenote >}} time traveling. I say this with {{< /sidenote >}} time traveling. I say this with
the utmost seriousness. This technique worked like the utmost seriousness. This technique worked like
magic for the problem I was trying to solve (which isn't magic for the problem I was trying to solve, and so
interesting enough to be presented here in itself), and so
I thought I'd share what I learned. In addition I thought I'd share what I learned. In addition
to the technique and its workings, I will also explain how to the technique and its workings, I will also explain how
time traveling can be misused, yielding computations that time traveling can be misused, yielding computations that
@ -69,7 +67,7 @@ value even come from?
Thus far, nothing too magical has happened. It's a little Thus far, nothing too magical has happened. It's a little
strange to expect the result of the computation to be strange to expect the result of the computation to be
given to us; however, thus far, it looks like wishful given to us; it just looks like wishful
thinking. The real magic happens in Csongor's `doRepMax` thinking. The real magic happens in Csongor's `doRepMax`
function: function:
@ -95,8 +93,9 @@ Why is it called graph reduction, you may be wondering, if the runtime is
manipulating syntax trees? To save on work, if a program refers to the manipulating syntax trees? To save on work, if a program refers to the
same value twice, Haskell has both of those references point to the same value twice, Haskell has both of those references point to the
exact same graph. This violates the tree's property of having only one path exact same graph. This violates the tree's property of having only one path
from the root to any node, and makes our program a graph. Graphs that from the root to any node, and makes our program a DAG (at least). Graph nodes that
refer to themselves also violate the properties of a tree. refer to themselves (which are also possible in the model) also violate the properties of a
a DAG, and thus, in general, we are working with graphs.
{{< /sidenote >}} performing {{< /sidenote >}} performing
substitutions and simplifications as necessary until it reaches a final answer. substitutions and simplifications as necessary until it reaches a final answer.
What the lazy part means is that parts of the syntax tree that are not yet What the lazy part means is that parts of the syntax tree that are not yet
@ -126,7 +125,7 @@ length ((:) 1 [])
We're now ready to draw the graph; in this case, it's pretty much identical We're now ready to draw the graph; in this case, it's pretty much identical
to the syntax tree of the last form of our expression: to the syntax tree of the last form of our expression:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="length_1.png" caption="The initial graph of `length [1]`." class="small" >}}
In this image, the `@` nodes represent function application. The In this image, the `@` nodes represent function application. The
root node is an application of the function `length` to the graph that root node is an application of the function `length` to the graph that
@ -137,7 +136,7 @@ list, and function applications in Haskell are
in the process of evaluation, the body of `length` will be reached, in the process of evaluation, the body of `length` will be reached,
and leave us with the following graph: and leave us with the following graph:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="length_2.png" caption="The graph of `length [1]` after the body of `length` is expanded." class="small" >}}
Conceptually, we only took one reduction step, and thus, we haven't yet gotten Conceptually, we only took one reduction step, and thus, we haven't yet gotten
to evaluating the recursive call to `length`. Since `(+)` to evaluating the recursive call to `length`. Since `(+)`
@ -169,17 +168,17 @@ let x = square 5 in x + x
Here, the initial graph looks as follows: Here, the initial graph looks as follows:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="square_1.png" caption="The initial graph of `let x = square 5 in x + x`." class="small" >}}
As you can see, this _is_ a graph, not a tree! Since both As you can see, this _is_ a graph, but not a tree! Since both
variables `x` refer to the same expression, `square 5`, they variables `x` refer to the same expression, `square 5`, they
are represented by the same subgraph. Then, when we evaluate `square 5` are represented by the same subgraph. Then, when we evaluate `square 5`
for the first time, and replace its root node with an indirection, for the first time, and replace its root node with an indirection,
we end up with the following: we end up with the following:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="square_2.png" caption="The graph of `let x = square 5 in x + x` after `square 5` is reduced." class="small" >}}
There are two `25`s in the tree, and no more `square`s! We only There are two `25`s in the graph, and no more `square`s! We only
had to evaluate `square 5` exactly once, even though `(+)` had to evaluate `square 5` exactly once, even though `(+)`
will use it twice (once for the left argument, and once for the right). will use it twice (once for the left argument, and once for the right).
@ -202,21 +201,22 @@ fix f = let x = f x in x
See how the definition of `x` refers to itself? This is what See how the definition of `x` refers to itself? This is what
it looks like in graph form: it looks like in graph form:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="fixpoint_1.png" caption="The initial graph of `let x = f x in x`." class="tiny" >}}
I think it's useful to take a look at how this graph is processed. Let's I think it's useful to take a look at how this graph is processed. Let's
pick `f = (1:)`. That is, `f` is a function that takes a list, pick `f = (1:)`. That is, `f` is a function that takes a list,
and prepends `1` to it. Then, after constructing the graph of `f x`, and prepends `1` to it. Then, after constructing the graph of `f x`,
we end up with the following: we end up with the following:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="fixpoint_2.png" caption="The graph of `fix (1:)` after it's been reduced." class="small" >}}
We see the body of `f`, which is the application of `(:)` first to the We see the body of `f`, which is the application of `(:)` first to the
constant `1`, and then to `f`'s argument (`x`, in this case). As constant `1`, and then to `f`'s argument (`x`, in this case). As
before, once we evaluated `f x`, we replaced the application with before, once we evaluated `f x`, we replaced the application with
an indirection; in the image, this indirection is the top box. But the an indirection; in the image, this indirection is the top box. But the
argument, `x`, is itself an indirection which points to the root of `f x`, argument, `x`, is itself an indirection which points to the root of `f x`,
thereby creating a cycle in our graph. thereby creating a cycle in our graph. Traversing this graph looks like
traversing an infinite list of `1`s.
Almost there! A node can refer to itself, and, when evaluated, it Almost there! A node can refer to itself, and, when evaluated, it
is replaced with its own value. Thus, a node can effectively reference is replaced with its own value. Thus, a node can effectively reference
@ -247,25 +247,23 @@ of using application nodes `@`, let's draw an application of a
function `f` to arguments `x1` through `xn` as a subgraph with root `f` function `f` to arguments `x1` through `xn` as a subgraph with root `f`
and children `x`s. The below figure demonstrates what I mean: and children `x`s. The below figure demonstrates what I mean:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="notation.png" caption="The new visual notation used in this section." class="small" >}}
Now, let's write the initial graph for `doRepMax [1,2]`: Now, let's write the initial graph for `doRepMax [1,2]`:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_1.png" caption="The initial graph of `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="small" >}}
Other than our new notation, there's nothing too surprising here. Other than our new notation, there's nothing too surprising here.
At a high level, all we want is the second element of the tuple The first step of our hypothetical reduction would replace the application of `doRepMax` with its
body, and create our graph's first cycle. At a high level, all we want is the second element of the tuple
returned by `repMax`, which contains the output list. To get returned by `repMax`, which contains the output list. To get
the tuple, we apply `repMax` to the list `[1,2]`, which itself the tuple, we apply `repMax` to the list `[1,2]` and the first element
of its result. The list `[1,2]` itself
consists of two uses of the `(:)` function. consists of two uses of the `(:)` function.
The first step {{< figure src="repmax_2.png" caption="The first step of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="small" >}}
of our hypothetical reduction would replace the application of `doRepMax` with its
body, and create our graph's first cycle:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} Next, we would also expand the body of `repMax`. In
Next, we would do the same for the body of `repMax`. In
the following diagram, to avoid drawing a noisy amount of the following diagram, to avoid drawing a noisy amount of
crossing lines, I marked the application of `fst` with crossing lines, I marked the application of `fst` with
a star, and replaced the two edges to `fst` with a star, and replaced the two edges to `fst` with
@ -273,7 +271,7 @@ edges to similar looking stars. This is merely
a visual trick; an edge leading to a little star is a visual trick; an edge leading to a little star is
actually an edge leading to `fst`. Take a look: actually an edge leading to `fst`. Take a look:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_3.png" caption="The second step of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="medium" >}}
Since `(,)` is a constructor, let's say that it doesn't Since `(,)` is a constructor, let's say that it doesn't
need to be evaluated, and that its need to be evaluated, and that its
@ -289,9 +287,11 @@ thus replace the application of `snd` with an
indirection to this subgraph. This leaves us indirection to this subgraph. This leaves us
with the following: with the following:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_4.png" caption="The third step of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="medium" >}}
If our original `doRepMax [1, 2]` expression occured at the top level, Since it's becoming hard to keep track of what part of the graph
is actually being evaluated, I marked the former root of `doRepMax [1,2]` with
a blue star. If our original expression occured at the top level,
the graph reduction would probably stop here. After all, the graph reduction would probably stop here. After all,
we're evaluating our graphs using call-by-need, and there we're evaluating our graphs using call-by-need, and there
doesn't seem to be a need for knowing the what the arguments of `(:)` are. doesn't seem to be a need for knowing the what the arguments of `(:)` are.
@ -307,7 +307,7 @@ of `fst`. We evaluate it in a similar manner to `snd`. That is,
we replace this `fst` with an indirection to the first element we replace this `fst` with an indirection to the first element
of the argument tuple, which happens to be the subgraph starting with `max`: of the argument tuple, which happens to be the subgraph starting with `max`:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_5.png" caption="The fourth step of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="medium" >}}
Phew! Next, we need to evaluate the body of `max`. Let's make one more Phew! Next, we need to evaluate the body of `max`. Let's make one more
simplification here: rather than substitututing `max` for its body simplification here: rather than substitututing `max` for its body
@ -319,23 +319,23 @@ a call to `fst`, needs to be processed. To do so, we need to
evaluate the call to `repMax`. We thus replace `repMax` evaluate the call to `repMax`. We thus replace `repMax`
with its body: with its body:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_6.png" caption="The fifth step of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="medium" >}}
We've reached one of the base cases here, and there We've reached one of the base cases here, and there
are no more calls to `max` or `repMax`. The whole reason are no more calls to `max` or `repMax`. The whole reason
we're here is to evaluate the call to `fst` that's one we're here is to evaluate the call to `fst` that's one
of the arguments to `max`. Given this graph, this is easy. of the arguments to `max`. Given this graph, doing so is easy.
We can clearly see that `2` is the first element of the tuple We can clearly see that `2` is the first element of the tuple
returned by `repMax [2]`. We thus replace `fst` with returned by `repMax [2]`. We thus replace `fst` with
an indirection to this node: an indirection to this node:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_7.png" caption="The sixth step of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="medium" >}}
This concludes our task of evaluating the arguments to `max`. This concludes our task of evaluating the arguments to `max`.
Comparing them, we see that `2` is greater than `1`, and thus, Comparing them, we see that `2` is greater than `1`, and thus,
we replace `max` with an indirection to `2`: we replace `max` with an indirection to `2`:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_8.png" caption="The seventh step of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="medium" >}}
The node that we starred in our graph is now an indirection (the The node that we starred in our graph is now an indirection (the
one that used to be the call to `fst`) which points to one that used to be the call to `fst`) which points to
@ -351,48 +351,213 @@ which is the call to `snd`. This `snd` is applied to an instance of `(,)`, which
can't be reduced any further. Thus, all we have to do is take the second can't be reduced any further. Thus, all we have to do is take the second
element of the tuple, and replace `snd` with an indirection to it: element of the tuple, and replace `snd` with an indirection to it:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_9.png" caption="The eighth step of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="medium" >}}
The second element of the tuple was a call to `(:)`, and that's what the mysterious The second element of the tuple was a call to `(:)`, and that's what the mysterious
force is processing now. Just like it did before, it starts by looking at the force is processing now. Just like it did before, it starts by looking at the
first argument of this list, which is head. This argument is a reference to first argument of this list, which is the list's head. This argument is a reference to
the starred node, which, as we've established, eventually points to `2`. the starred node, which, as we've established, eventually points to `2`.
Another `2` pops up on the console. Another `2` pops up on the console.
Finally, the mysterious force reaches the second argument of the `(:)`, Finally, the mysterious force reaches the second argument of the `(:)`,
which is the empty list. The empty list also cannot be evaluated any which is the empty list. The empty list also cannot be evaluated any
further, so that's what the mysterious force receives. Just like that, further, so that's what the mysterious force receives. Just like that,
there's nothing left to print to the console. The mysterious force ceases, there's nothing left to print to the console. The mysterious force ceases.
and we're left with the following graph: After removing the unused nodes, we are left with the following graph:
{{< todo >}}Add image!{{< /todo >}} {{< figure src="repmax_10.png" caption="The result of reducing `doRepMax [1,2]`." class="small" >}}
As we would have expected, two `2`s are printed to the console. As we would have expected, two `2`s were printed to the console, and our
final graph represents the list `[2,2]`.
### Using Time Traveling ### Using Time Traveling
Is time tarveling even useful? I would argue yes, especially
in cases where Haskell's purity can make certain things
difficult.
{{< todo >}}This whole section {{< /todo >}} As a first example, Csongor provides an assembler that works
in a single pass. The challenge in this case is to resolve
jumps to code segments occuring _after_ the jump itself;
in essence, the address of the target code segment needs to be
known before the segment itself is processed. Csongor's
code uses the [Tardis monad](https://hackage.haskell.org/package/tardis-0.4.1.0/docs/Control-Monad-Tardis.html),
which combines regular state, to which you can write and then
later read from, and future state, from which you can
read values before your write them. Check out
[his complete example](https://kcsongor.github.io/time-travel-in-haskell-for-dummies/#a-single-pass-assembler-an-example) here.
Alternatively, here's an example from my research. I'll be fairly
vague, since all of this is still in progress. The gist is that
we have some kind of data structure (say, a list or a tree),
and we want to associate with each element in this data
structure a 'score' of how useful it is. There are many possible
heuristics of picking 'scores'; a very simple one is
to make it inversely propertional to the number of times
an element occurs. To be more concrete, suppose
we have some element type `Element`:
{{< codelines "Haskell" "time-traveling/ValueScore.hs" 5 6 >}}
Suppose also that our data structure is a binary tree:
{{< codelines "Haskell" "time-traveling/ValueScore.hs" 14 16 >}}
We then want to transform an input `ElementTree`, such as:
```Haskell
Node A (Node A Empty Empty) Empty
```
Into a scored tree, like:
```Haskell
Node (A,0.5) (Node (A,0.5) Empty Empty) Empty
```
Since `A` occured twice, its score is `1/2 = 0.5`.
Let's define some utility functions before we get to the
meat of the implementation:
{{< codelines "Haskell" "time-traveling/ValueScore.hs" 8 12 >}}
The `addElement` function simply increments the counter for a particular
element in the map, adding the number `1` if it doesn't exist. The `getScore`
function computes the score of a particular element, defaulting to `1.0` if
it's not found in the map.
Just as before -- noticing that passing around the future values is getting awfully
bothersome -- we write our scoring function as though we have
a 'future value'.
{{< codelines "Haskell" "time-traveling/ValueScore.hs" 18 24 >}}
The actual `doAssignScores` function is pretty much identical to
`doRepMax`:
{{< codelines "Haskell" "time-traveling/ValueScore.hs" 26 28 >}}
There's quite a bit of repetition here, especially in the handling
of future values - all of our functions now accept an extra
future argument, and return a work-in-progress future value.
This is what the `Tardis` monad, and its corresponding
`TardisT` monad transformer, aim to address. Just like the
`State` monad helps us avoid writing plumbing code for
forward-traveling values, `Tardis` helps us do the same
for backward-traveling ones.
#### Cycles in Monadic Bind
We've seen that we're able to write code like the following:
```Haskell
(a, b) = f a c
```
That is, we were able to write function calls that referenced
their own return values. What if we try doing this inside
a `do` block? Say, for example, we want to sprinkle some time
traveling into our program, but don't want to add a whole new
transformer into our monad stack. We could write code as follows:
```Haskell
do
(a, b) <- f a c
return b
```
Unfortunately, this doesn't work. However, it's entirely
possible to enable this using the `RecursiveDo` language
extension:
```Haskell
{-# LANGUAGE RecursiveDo #-}
```
Then, we can write the above as follows:
```Haskell
do
rec (a, b) <- f a c
return b
```
This power, however, comes at a price. It's not as straightforward
to build graphs from recursive monadic computations; in fact,
it's not possible in general. The translation of the above
code uses `MonadFix`. A monad that satisfies `MonadFix` has
an operation `mfix`, which is the monadic version of the `fix`
function we saw earlier:
```Haskell
mfix :: Monad m => (a -> m a) -> m a
-- Regular fix, for comparison
fix :: (a -> a) -> a
```
To really understand how the translation works, check out the
[paper on recursive do notation](http://leventerkok.github.io/papers/recdo.pdf).
### Beware The Strictness ### Beware The Strictness
Though Csongor points out other problems with the
time traveling approach, I think he doesn't mention
an important idea: you have to be _very_ careful about introducing
strictness into your programs when running time-traveling code.
For example, suppose we wanted to write a function,
`takeUntilMax`, which would return the input list,
cut off after the first occurence of the maximum number.
Following the same strategy, we come up with:
{{< todo >}}This whole section, too. {{< /todo >}} {{< codelines "Haskell" "time-traveling/TakeMax.hs" 1 12 >}}
### Leftovers In short, if we encounter our maximum number, we just return
a list of that maximum number, since we do not want to recurse
further. On the other hand, if we encounter a number that's
_not_ the maximum, we continue our recursion.
This is Unfortunately, this doesn't work; our program never terminates.
what allows us to write the code above: the graph of `repMax xs largest` You may be thinking:
effectively refers to itself. While traversing the list, it places references
to itself in place of each of the elements, and thanks to laziness, these
references are not evaluated.
Let's try a more complicated example. How about instead of creating a new list, > Well, obviously this doesn't work! We didn't actually
we return a `Map` containing the number of times each number occured, but only compute the maximum number properly, since we stopped
when those numbers were a factor of the maximum numbers. Our expected output recursing too early. We need to traverse the whole list,
will be: and not just the part before the maximum number.
``` To address this, we can reformulate our `takeUntilMax`
>>> countMaxFactors [1,3,3,9] function as follows:
fromList [(1, 1), (3, 2), (9, 1)] {{< codelines "Haskell" "time-traveling/TakeMax.hs" 14 21 >}}
```
Now we definitely compute the maximum correctly! Alas,
this doesn't work either. The issue lies on lines 5 and 18,
more specifically in the comparison `x == m`. Here, we
are trying to base the decision of what branch to take
on a future value. This is simply impossible; to compute
the value, we need to know the value!
This is no 'silly mistake', either! In complicated programs
that use time traveling, strictness lurks behind every corner.
In my research work, I was at one point inserting a data structure into
a set; however, deep in the structure was a data type containing
a 'future' value, and using the default `Eq` instance!
Adding the data structure to a set ended up invoking `(==)` (or perhaps
some function from the `Ord` typeclass),
which, in turn, tried to compare the lazily evaluated values.
My code therefore didn't terminate, much like `takeUntilMax`.
Debugging time traveling code is, in general,
a pain. This is especially true since future values don't look any different
from regular values. You can see it in the type signatures
of `repMax` and `takeUntilMax`: the maximum number is just an `Int`!
And yet, trying to see what its value is will kill the entire program.
As always, remember Brian W. Kernighan's wise words:
> Debugging is twice as hard as writing the code in the first place.
Therefore, if you write the code as cleverly as possible, you are,
by definition, not smart enough to debug it.
### Conclusion
This is about it! In a way, time traveling can make code performing
certain operations more expressive. Furthermore, even if it's not groundbreaking,
thinking about time traveling is a good exercise to get familiar
with lazy evaluation in general. I hope you found this useful!

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