Random Variables as a Data Type.

摘要

This report discusses the use of random variables as a data type for programming languages. It demonstrates that for complex programs the results of the use of random variables are non-computable. After imposing restrictions on the class of programs to obtain a practical, although limited class of programs, the author discusses major problems of constructing a statistical compiler which accepts distributions for its input variables, and produces the distribution of its output variables. Both simplification rules and representation techniques for such a compiler are described. A simple example of such a compiler which has been implemented is described, and the problems in extending the implementation are explored.