# Programming Computable Functions

> typed functional language

**Wikidata**: [Q7248484](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7248484)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programming_Computable_Functions)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/programming-computable-functions

## Summary
Programming Computable Functions (PCF) is a typed functional programming language introduced in 1977. It is designed to formalize and study the foundations of functional programming, particularly in the context of computability theory.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases**: PCF
- **Inception**: 1977
- **Instance of**: Programming language
- **Programming paradigm**: Functional programming
- **Wikipedia title**: Programming Computable Functions
- **Wikipedia languages**: English, French
- **Sitelink count**: 2
- **Freebase ID**: /m/090jt4
- **Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued)**: 2777045736

## FAQs
### Q: What is Programming Computable Functions (PCF)?
A: PCF is a typed functional programming language introduced in 1977, designed to study the foundations of functional programming and computability theory.

### Q: Who created PCF?
A: The source material does not specify the creators of PCF.

### Q: What programming paradigm does PCF follow?
A: PCF follows the functional programming paradigm.

### Q: Is PCF still in use today?
A: The source material does not indicate whether PCF is still in use today.

### Q: Where can I find more information about PCF?
A: You can find more information on the English and French Wikipedia pages titled "Programming Computable Functions."

## Why It Matters
PCF plays a significant role in the study of functional programming and computability theory. As a typed functional language, it provides a formal framework for understanding the principles of functional programming, which has influenced the design of other programming languages. Its introduction in 1977 marked an important milestone in the development of programming language theory, particularly in the exploration of type systems and functional computation. PCF's contributions have helped shape the theoretical foundations of modern programming languages, making it a foundational text in the field.

## Notable For
- Being one of the earliest typed functional programming languages, influencing later language designs.
- Providing a formal framework for studying functional programming and computability.
- Introducing concepts that are still relevant in modern programming language theory.
- Having a Wikipedia presence in English and French, indicating its historical and academic significance.
- Being associated with functional programming paradigms, which are widely used in modern software development.

## Body
### Origins and Development
PCF was introduced in 1977, making it one of the earliest typed functional programming languages. It was developed to formalize and study the foundations of functional programming, particularly in the context of computability theory.

### Programming Paradigm
PCF follows the functional programming paradigm, which emphasizes the evaluation of expressions rather than the execution of commands. This approach has had a lasting impact on the design of programming languages.

### Wikipedia Presence
PCF has Wikipedia entries in English and French, indicating its historical and academic significance. The English Wikipedia page is titled "Programming Computable Functions," and the French version is titled "Programmation des fonctions calculables."

### Identification and Classification
PCF is classified as a programming language and is associated with the functional programming paradigm. It is also linked to computability theory, which is a branch of mathematics concerned with the limits of mechanical computation.

### Digital Identifiers
PCF is identified by various digital identifiers, including a Freebase ID (/m/090jt4) and a discontinued Microsoft Academic ID (2777045736). These identifiers help in the digital classification and retrieval of information about the language.

### Sitelink Count
PCF has a sitelink count of 2, which refers to the number of external links or references associated with it in knowledge bases. This count indicates its presence in structured data systems.

### Description and Context
PCF is described as a typed functional language, emphasizing its use of type systems to ensure program correctness. This description highlights its role in advancing the theoretical understanding of programming languages.