Standard library

The standard library defines the basic functions. Spiral programs do not have any built-in variables, so the import of the standard library is virtually necessary. The library is divided into modules, so the programmer can import only the required functionality.

Basic functionality

• module std conveniently reexports the most important definitions. Most programs and modules will import this module.
• module std.core defines the core operations, most of which are reexported from module std.
• module std.bool provides some operations on booleans.
• module std.combinator exports frequently used functional combinators.
• module std.math defines numeric functions.

Basic data structures

These structures are implemented in the runtime and the modules provide just a convenient Spiral interface.

• module std.array provides mutable variable-sized arrays.
• module std.cons exports functions for working with cons-cells and lists.
• module std.string defines an interface for working with immutable strings.
• module std.tuple provides functions for working with tuples.
• module std.ref defines mutable references.
• module std.sym exports functions for defining and manipulating symbols.

Advanced data structures

Advanced structures are written in Spiral and provide higher-level abstractions.

• module std.hashmap defines mutable hash tables.
• module std.hash exports hashing functions to be used in conjuction with hash tables.
• module std.map provides persistent ordered finite maps of ordered keys.
• module std.redmap is an alternative implementation of persistent maps.
• module std.set implements persistent ordered sets.
• module std.heap defines persistent heaps.

Interfacing with the system

• module std.io provides a basic interface for accessing files (including the standard input and output streams).
• module std.env gives access to command-line arguments and environment variables.

Testing

• module std.test is a minimalistic yet powerful testing library.