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arXiv:1503.09060cs.LO

A Tutorial Introduction to the Lambda Calculus

Raul Rojas

Abstract

This paper is a concise and painless introduction to the $λ$-calculus. This formalism was developed by Alonzo Church as a tool for studying the mathematical properties of effectively computable functions. The formalism became popular and has provided a strong theoretical foundation for the family of functional programming languages. This tutorial shows how to perform arithmetical and logical computations using the $λ$-calculus and how to define recursive functions, even though $λ$-calculus functions are unnamed and thus cannot refer explicitly to themselves.

arXiv comments
4 figures
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
cs.LOLogic in Computer Science

On Hacker News

Linked by 3 identifiable commenters in 3 comments across 3 threads, from Jul 2016 to Jul 2020. Found in 2 HN submissions from Feb 2025 to Feb 2025. Open submission discussions.

Comments linking this paper, per year.

Discussed in comments3 threads

  1. Ask HN: Where do I go to learn more about the lambda calculus? 1 comment

    • Type 'cmu lecture notes lambda calculus' into google. Or https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~rwh/pfpl/ and his various lectures from OPLSS on YouTube too. The original Church thesis is on google scholar. Look on arxiv https://arxiv.org/abs/1503.09060

      hackermailmanView on HNParent context

  2. Algebra and the Lambda Calculus (1993) 1 comment
  3. Lambda Calculus Interactive Tutorial 1 comment

    • I really enjoyed A Tutorial Introduction to Lambda Calculus by Raul Rojas. Apparently he released a new version last year: https://arxiv.org/abs/1503.09060

      teamhappyView on HNParent context

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