Description #
MLton is an optimizing compiler for the Standard ML (SML) programming language. It compiles entire programs to efficient native executables, making SML a viable option for performance-critical applications.
History #
MLton was first released in the early 2000s by Stephen Weeks. It was developed to address the lack of high-performance compilers for functional languages, focusing on whole-program optimization. MLton adheres closely to the Standard ML language definition and is widely used in research and education for its strong type system and deterministic behavior.
Hello World Code #
print "Hello, World!\n";How to Run #
Option 1: Online
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/compile_sml_online.php
Option 2: Local
Install MLton:
sudo apt install mlton # Ubuntu/Debian
brew install mlton # macOSSave as hello.sml, then compile and run:
mlton hello.sml
./helloKey Concepts #
- Syntax style: Functional, minimal, ML-style
- Typing discipline: Strong, static, with type inference
- Execution model: Whole-program compilation to native code
- Common use cases: Formal methods, compilers, language tools
- Toolchain or ecosystem: MLton compiler, Basis Library
- Paradigms supported: Functional, recursive, module-based
- Compilation details: Entire program is analyzed and optimized at compile time
- Strengths or quirks: Strong module system, pattern matching, immutable by default
- Libraries/frameworks: Standard ML Basis Library
- Community/adoption: Mostly academic and functional programming circles
Try It Online #
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/compile_sml_online.php
Fun Facts #
MLton’s whole-program optimization means it compiles only complete programs (not scripts or partial modules), allowing for global performance tuning that rivals C-level speeds in many benchmarks.
