F-Bounded Polymorphism in Scala



Have you seen a type signature like this before?

trait T[U <: T[U]]

F-bounded polymorphism (a.k.a self-referential types, recursive type signatures, recursively bounded quantification) is a powerful object-oriented technique that leverages the type system to encode constraints on generics.

Marconi Lanna explains how to define and use F-bounded types in Scala, enlisting the compiler to enforce advanced trait semantics, while greatly reducing and simplifying unit tests.

Further Resources

  • Scala Training from ProTech
  • Video & Tutorials on Scala
Published March 10, 2015