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Type vs. Newtype vs. Data in Haskell
Haskell provides multiple ways to define custom types: type, newtype, and data. Each serves a distinct purpose and is optimized for specific use cases. While they can sometimes appear interchangeable, understanding their differences is crucial for writing efficient, type-safe, and expressive Haskell code. This article will explore the key distinctions between type, newtype, and data,…
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What’s the difference between a Value, Type, and Data Constructor in Haskell?
In Haskell, terms like value constructor, type constructor, and data constructor often arise when discussing types and data structures. These terms relate to how Haskell’s type system and data declarations work. While the concepts are interconnected, they serve distinct purposes. Let’s break them down: 1. Type Constructor A type constructor is used to define new…
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What’s the difference between functors and applicatives (applicative functors)?
In Haskell, both functors and applicative functors are abstractions for working with values in a context, such as Maybe, List, or IO. While they are closely related, applicative functors extend the capabilities of functors, enabling more complex operations that require multiple values in a context. Let’s explore the differences between the two concepts and how…
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What’s the difference between a set, a map and a list in Haskell?
In Haskell, sets, maps, and lists are three different types of data structures, each with its own characteristics and use cases. Here’s a breakdown of their differences and when to use each: 1. List (Data.List) You’re dealing with potentially infinite data streams or recursive structures. Definition: A list is a linear sequence of elements in…
