The Howdy Glossary

ATS, or Applied Type System, is a statically typed programming language developed by Hongwei Xi at Boston University that merges programming with formal specification through the combination of a linear type system and dependent types. This integration enhances memory allocation management and resource usage safety while allowing for program verification via theorem proving and execution as an efficient imperative language comparable to C or Ada. ATS thus enables developers to formally reason about their code without suffering from the common abstraction penalties typically associated with high-level functional languages.

One of ATS's standout features is its dual functionality – offering both program verification through theorem proving and execution as an efficient imperative language. This unique blend permits developers to engage in formal reasoning about their code while maintaining performance advantages akin to those provided by imperative programming paradigms like C or Ada. The incorporation of a linear type system alongside dependent types not only improves memory allocation management but also ensures safe resource usage, positioning ATS as a bridge between theoretical formal verification and practical software development.

In comparison with other statically typed languages aimed at providing strong type systems such as Rust, Haskell, and Idris, ATS uniquely combines linear type systems with dependent types for robust theorem proving and efficient execution. While Rust emphasizes memory safety through ownership concepts, Haskell focuses on pure functional programming paradigms, and Idris leverages dependent types for rigorous theorem proving capabilities much like ATS. Each language has distinctive strengths catering to different developer needs; however, ATS stands out by enabling a versatile environment where robust software can be built efficiently without sacrificing the benefits of strong typing and formal specification.