15312 Foundations Of Programming Languages _hot_ May 2026

15-312 Foundations of Programming Languages is a core computer science course at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) that explores the mathematical principles behind programming language design, semantics, and implementation.

Standard ML (SML)

: The primary implementation language is SML, which students use to build interpreters for various language models directly from their formal definitions. Key Topics Covered 15312 foundations of programming languages

1. Progress: A well-typed program is either a finished value or can take a next step (it’s not "stuck").
2. Preservation: If a program takes a step, its type remains the same.

design and implement

While 15-312 has a reputation for being demanding—similar to courses like OS or Compilers—it is often cited as a favorite by students interested in PL theory. It provides the tools to not only learn new languages quickly but to new ones from scratch. 15-312 Foundations of Programming Languages is a core

Mathematical Foundations

: Inductive definitions, substitution, and rule induction. Progress: A well-typed program is either a finished

Statics:

Using type systems to ensure programs make sense before they ever run.

• Progress: A well-typed program is never "stuck"; it is either a finished value or it can take a step.
• Preservation: If a well-typed program takes a step, the resulting program is also well-typed.