"Computer scientists, as all scientists, seek a common framework in which to link and organize many levels of explanation; moreover, this common framework must be semantic, since our explanations (including programs) are typically in formal language." --Robin Milner

From the beginning, Cornell has been known for its research in programming languages. Our strength in programming languages spans a wide range. Cornell does foundational work on type theory, automated theorem proving, and language semantics. A more recent theme has been language-based solutions to important problems such as computer security and distributed programming. Cornell researchers have also contributed to language implementation, program analysis and optimization, and software engineering. We are proud of both our breadth and depth in this core discipline. Programming Languages is a lively area at Cornell with five faculty and over a dozen Ph.D. students.

Faculty members Fred Schneider, Dexter Kozen, and Andrew Myers are studying new security enforcement mechanisms based on program analysis and transformation. Advanced type systems are used to ensure certifiable security properties; programs are transformed to remove security vulnerabilities. This new approach to computer security is well suited to networked computing systems built from extensible and mobile components.

Another current research thread studies language support for extensible systems. The way software is developed has changed, with components adapted and combined from previous software. Language support for modular reuse, extension, and adaptation of software can improve how we build complex software. The Polyglot compiler framework and the J& language are examples of recent Cornell work on this problem.

Faculty and Researchers

Robert Constable
Dexter Kozen
Andrew C. Myers
Fred B. Schneider
Tim Teitelbaum

Ongoing and Recent Projects

NuPRL
Jif
Fabric
Swift
Jx/J&
JMatch
Polyglot
Crystal
SATC
Frex
ECC
KAT