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discover-plt

Discover PLT skills for compiler and programming language development tasks.

126|7|Updated Oct 18, 2025
Search Tags:#lambda calculus#program verification#compilers#interpreters#programming language theory#parsers#type systems
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/rand/cc-experiments --skill discover-plt
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: discover-plt
Source: https://github.com/rand/cc-experiments/tree/main/skills/discover-plt
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/rand/cc-experiments --skill discover-plt

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Programming Language Theory (PLT) and compiler development are highly specialized fields. This skill provides immediate access to expertise on lambda calculus, type systems, operational semantics, and program verification, simplifying complex language design and implementation tasks.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • PLT & Compiler Expertise: Covers lambda calculus, type systems, operational semantics, program verification, and advanced topics like dependent types and typed holes.
  • Contextual Activation: Automatically activates when you're working on compilers, parsers, or other PLT development tasks, offering relevant guidance.
  • Use Case: When designing a new domain-specific language, this skill can guide you through defining its type system, operational semantics, and even formal verification methods.

Quick Start

Explain the fundamentals of lambda calculus and its role in programming language design.

Frequently Asked Questions about discover-plt

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What is lambda calculus and why does it matter for programming language design?▼

Lambda calculus is a formal system for defining computation through functions and substitution. It serves as the mathematical foundation for type systems, operational semantics, and language features like closures, making it essential for designing and verifying programming languages.

How do I design a type system for a domain-specific language?▼

Define type rules that specify what expressions are valid and their resulting types, then formalize operational semantics to describe how the language executes. This skill guides you through type theory principles and verification methods to ensure soundness and correctness.

What's the relationship between parsers, ASTs, and compilers?▼

Parsers convert source code into Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs), which compilers then analyze and transform. Understanding this pipeline—parsing, type checking, and code generation—is foundational to compiler construction and language implementation.

When should I use formal verification in compiler development?▼

Formal verification proves correctness properties of your language semantics and compiler transformations, preventing undefined behavior and optimization bugs. It's critical when building safety-critical systems or when type systems alone cannot guarantee program properties.

Can I use dependent types and typed holes to catch more bugs at compile time?▼

Yes. Dependent types allow types to depend on values, enabling precise specifications. Typed holes mark incomplete proofs or implementations, helping you incrementally verify complex properties and reduce runtime errors in compiled code.

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