Semantic Subtyping for Maps in Erlang

📅 2025-08-01
📈 Citations: 0
✨ Influential: 0
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🤖 AI Summary
This paper addresses the absence of a formal semantic subtyping definition for parameterized map types in Erlang. We propose the first set-theoretic type model supporting type variables, base types, set types, and map types—fully covering Erlang’s entire map type syntax. Grounded in set inclusion as its semantic foundation, our model provides the first explicit subtyping judgment rules for parameterized map types. It captures structural constraints via type variables and set-theoretic operations—including intersection, union, and complement. The resulting semantic subtyping framework enables precise derivation of complex map-type subtyping relationships, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and expressiveness of Erlang’s static type checking. Moreover, it establishes a rigorous theoretical foundation for future extensions of Erlang’s type system and practical tool implementation.

Technology Category

Reasoning under Uncertainty: Relational Probabilistic ModelsConstraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Satisfiability Modulo TheoriesMachine Learning: Statistical Relational/Logic Learning

Application Category

Semantics and Knowledge: Methods to enhance, augment, integrate or synergize semantic models such as knowledge graphs and LLMsGraph Algorithms and Modeling for the Web: Efficient manipulation of static and dynamic Web-related graphsWeb Mining and Content Analysis: Models for Web evolution
📝 Abstract
In this paper we will construct a set-theoretic model of types featuring type variables, base types, set-theoretic types and map types. Syntax of map types spans all the map types available in Erlang. The model of types is used to define a semantic subtyping relation based on set containment. The novelty of this work is the definition of subtyping over parameteric map types.
Problem

Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.

Model types with variables and map types in Erlang
Define semantic subtyping via set containment
Introduce subtyping for parametric map types
Innovation

Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.

Set-theoretic model with type variables
Semantic subtyping via set containment
Subtyping for parametric map types
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