Abstract

Martin-Lof's type theory can be described as an intuitionistic theory of iterated inductive definitions developed in a framework of dependent types. It was originally intended to be a full-scale system for the formalization of constructive mathematics, but has also proved to be a powerful framework for programming. The theory integrates an expressive specification language (its type system) and a functional programming language (where all programs terminate). There now exist several proof-assistants based on type theory, and many non-trivial examples from programming, computer science, logic, and mathematics have been implemented using these. In this series of lectures we shall describe type theory as a theory of inductive definitions. We emphasize its open nature: much like in a standard functional language such as ML or Haskell the user can add new types whenever there is a need for them. We discuss the syntax and semantics of the theory. Moreover, we present some examples ...

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