Unlambda

Unlambda is a minimal, "nearly pure"functional programming language invented by David Madore. It is based on combinatory logic, a version of the lambda calculus that omits the lambda operator. It relies mainly on two built-in functions (s and k) and an "apply" operator (written `, the backquote character). These alone make it Turing-complete, but there are also some I/O functions to make it possible to interact with the user, some shortcut functions and a function for lazy evaluation. There are no variables in the language.

Basic principles

As an esoteric programming language, Unlambda is meant as a demonstration of very pure functional programming rather than for practical use. Its main feature is the lack of conventional operators and data typesthe only kind of data in the program are one-parameter functions. Data can nevertheless be simulated with appropriate functions as in the lambda calculus. Multi-parameter functions can be represented with the technique of currying.

Unlambda is based around the principle of abstraction elimination, or the elimination of all saved variables, including functions. As a purely functional language, not only are Unlambda's functions first-class objects, they are the only first-class objects.

UNL

UNL may refer to:

  • Universal Networking Language, a knowledge representation language used in natural language processing
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a university in Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
  • University of North London, a university in North London, United Kingdom
  • Universidad Nacional del Litoral, a university in Santa Fe, Argentina
  • Universidade Nova de Lisboa, a university in Lisbon, Portugal
  • Touhou Hisōtensoku, a Touhou Project video game better known as Unthinkable Natural Law in the English localizations
  • Podcasts:

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    Latest News for: Unl

    Unl freshman starts his own pickleball business

    Omaha World-Herald 21 Apr 2025
    LINCOLN — Pickleball is a fast-growing sport in America, and one University of Nebraska-Lincoln student is taking advantage of it ... .

    'Something I knew I wanted': UNL student from Omaha earns prestigious Truman Scholarship

    Omaha World-Herald 20 Apr 2025
    Luke McDermott, a UNL junior from Omaha majoring in political science, economics and history, was named a 2025 Truman Scholar ... .

    UNL student from Omaha earns prestigious Truman Scholarship

    Omaha World-Herald 20 Apr 2025
    LINCOLN — During Luke McDermott's freshman year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he had his eyes set on becoming a Truman Scholar ... .

    UNL marks big win in competition to give the gift of life

    Hastings Tribune 19 Apr 2025
    LINCOLNThe University of Nebraska on Thursday welcomed leaders from Abbott and the Big Ten Conference for a seven-figure celebration of Nebraska’s first-place finish in an inaugural blood drive competition in 2024 ... .

    Seth Wright of Petersburg wins award in UNL's New Venture Competition

    The Columbus Telegram 19 Apr 2025
    Sixty-four student teams, representing every college at the university and 38 majors or programs, vied for $82,500 in prizes during the business plan tournament ... .

    UNL's Regional Climate Center shutters

    The North Platte Telegraph 19 Apr 2025
    The High Plains Regional Climate Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shut down Thursday as part of the White House's Push to eliminate federally funded climate research ... .

    UNL says handful of international students have had visas, legal status revoked

    Lincoln Journal Star 19 Apr 2025
    Three international students enrolled at UNL have received notices from the State Department informing them their legal right to be in the U.S. has been terminated, university officials said Friday ... .

    'Something I knew I wanted to pursue': UNL student earns prestigious Truman Scholarship

    Lincoln Journal Star 18 Apr 2025
    Luke McDermott, a UNL junior majoring in political science, economics and history, was named a 2025 Truman Scholar. He's the first UNL student since 2019 to earn the prestigious honor ... .

    UNL to use blood drive prize fund for student resources

    The Daily Nebraskan 18 Apr 2025
    Announced during halftime of the Big Ten Championship game, Abbott and the Big Ten gave UNL $1 million, after UNL won the challenge, totaling 1,967 donations ... UNL Student Life wanted to make sure the ...

    UNL, UNMC will seek joint accreditation through Higher Learning Commission

    The Grand Island Independent 17 Apr 2025
    For the first time in more than a half-century, the University of Nebraska system’s flagship campus and academic medical center are seeking joint accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission ... .

    UNL, UNMC to seek joint accreditation

    Omaha World-Herald 17 Apr 2025
    For the first time in more than a half-century, the University of Nebraska system's flagship campus and academic medical center are seeking joint accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission ... .

    BREAKING: Trump administration revokes 3 UNL international student visas

    The Daily Nebraskan 16 Apr 2025
    Friday, April 18, 2025 to include new information from Leslie Reed, UNL's public affairs director and Cara Pesek, interim chief communication officer for the University of Nebraska System ... UNL.

    UNL joins global initiative to reduce methane from livestock

    The North Platte Telegraph 15 Apr 2025
    LINCOLNThe University of Nebraska-Lincoln is joining a new $27.4 million global initiative to reduce methane emissions from livestock by harnessing natural variation in how animals digest food ... .

    UNL to highlight study-abroad locations 'off the beaten path'

    The Daily Nebraskan 14 Apr 2025
    “I’m excited to bring information about these universities to UNL students and encourage them to consider the incredible places I’ve been visiting,” Ninneman said ... Find more about the study abroad programs available at UNL here ... .

    UNL market using cashierless, walk-out purchasing technology

    Omaha World-Herald 13 Apr 2025
    LINCOLN — At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's new market, walking out is the same as checking out ... .
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