F*: A Proof-Oriented Programming Language
Microsoft's F* combines functional programming with theorem proving for secure software development.
1What is F*?
F* is a programming language that combines the expressive power of dependent types with SMT-based proof automation and interactive theorem proving. It supports both purely functional and effectful programming. By default, F* compiles to OCaml, but it can also be extracted to F#, C, Wasm, and even assembly. The language itself is implemented in F* and bootstrapped using OCaml, showcasing its self-hosting capabilities.
2Open Source and Distribution
F* is available as open source under the Apache 2.0 license. Regular binary releases for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X are posted on GitHub. Installation is also possible via package managers like OPAM, Docker, and Nix, or by building from source. Actively developed by Microsoft Research, Inria, and the community, F* offers support through GitHub Discussions and Zulip, consolidating its online presence.
3Educational Resources
An online book titled 'Proof-oriented Programming In F*' is being written and regularly updated. Additionally, a tutorial covers Low*, a low-level subset of F* that compiles to C. Seasonal schools like the Oregon Programming Language Summer School and ECI 2019 offer F* courses, with lecture notes, slides, and code examples available online. These resources provide hands-on learning opportunities for new users.
4Community and Support
The F* community primarily interacts through GitHub Discussions and Zulip, moving away from Slack to public forums. A low-traffic mailing list and the monthly F* PoP Up Seminar provide additional support channels. These platforms enable users and developers to share knowledge and collaborate on projects. The maintainers can also be contacted directly via email for specific inquiries.
5Industrial and Academic Use
F* is employed in various industrial and academic projects, supported by institutions like Microsoft Research and Inria. Users are encouraged to share their F* projects via the mailing list to contribute to the community. The language's strong proof capabilities make it particularly valuable for security and verification tasks, where mathematical guarantees are essential. Its flexibility supports diverse programming paradigms.
6Language Features
F* enables mathematically provable programs through dependent types. SMT solvers and tactic-based interactive theorem proving tools automate the verification of complex properties. These features make F* ideal for high-security applications and critical systems. The language's modular design accommodates different programming paradigms, enhancing its versatility for various use cases.
7Development Tools
The F* ecosystem is enriched by tools like KaRaMeL and Vale. KaRaMeL converts F* code to C, while the Vale toolchain produces assembly output. These tools cater to low-level and system programming needs. Package managers like OPAM and Docker simplify installation, allowing developers to quickly start using F*. The comprehensive toolset supports a wide range of development scenarios.
8Future and Potential
F* addresses a significant gap in proof-oriented programming, with growing adoption in both academia and industry. Its applications in security and verification are particularly noteworthy. The backing of major players like Microsoft and the expanding community suggest a bright future for F*. New educational resources and community events are accelerating its adoption, making it a promising tool for secure software development.
Original article: Hacker News — F*: Kanıt Odaklı Programlama Dili