"If F is a partially applied function ..."

The proposed wording in 3.1.5.1 says:
      If F is a partially applied function, the implementation of F is
      called, supplying the value of each fixed position as the argument
      of the corresponding parameter.

"the implementation of F is called":
This phrase raises the question of what it means to call the implementation 
of a function. Of course, if the implementation is implementation-dependent, 
we can't say. But if it isn't, we can, and should, but I don't believe this 
text does so.

"supplying the value of each fixed position as the argument of the 
corresponding parameter."
First, fixed positions are a property of a partial function application 
(i.e., a hunk of syntax), not of a partially applied function. When it comes 
time to invoke the PAF, fixed positions don't exist.

Second, supplying a value for each fixed position is exactly what the PFA 
did when it created the PAF. When you invoke the PAF, you instead supply 
values for its parameters.

-Michael

Received on Tuesday, 9 February 2016 07:25:08 UTC