Course detail
Functional Programming
FSI-VFL Acad. year: 2026/2027 Summer semester
This course focuses on a deeper understanding of the principles of functional programming through the F# language. Students will learn the theoretical foundations of the functional paradigm, such as algebraic data types, function composition, immutability, and working with efficient data structures, and will learn to apply these concepts in the design of robust and secure software systems. The course also covers more advanced techniques, including pattern matching, functional error handling, computation expressions, and asynchronous and parallel computations, and emphasizes architectural principles typical of the functional world, such as separation of concerns and domain modeling using types. The course includes not only theory, but also practical application development, which will lead students to understand how the functional approach can be effectively used in modern software development.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
4
Supervisor
Department
Learning outcomes of the course unit
Students will acquire knowledge of functional programming styles, and will be able to apply Lisp to solving artificial intelligence problems.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of artificial intelligence and expert systems.
Entry knowledge
Basic programming skills.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is taught through exercises focused to practical using the Lisp language.
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes
Course-unit credit requirements: active attendance at the seminars, elaboration of project in Lisp.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The assessment is based on student activity in the course and the defense of the assigned project.
Aims
The aim of the course is to familiarize students with non-imperative approaches to problem solving and to deepen their knowledge of the principles of functional programming methods.
Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences
The attendance at the seminars is required. An absence can be compensated for via solving given problems.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme N-AIŘ-P: Applied Computer Science and Control, Master's, compulsory-optional
Type of course unit
Lecture
13 hours, optionally
Syllabus
1. Functional programming in the modern world
2. Functions and composition as the main building blocks
3. Algebraic data types – theory and domain modeling
4. Pattern matching – deterministic flow control
5. Higher-order functions and funkcionální design
6. Collections, lazy evaluation, and infinite structures
7. Functional error handling – from theory to practice
8. Architectural principles in the functional world
9. Working with state – theory and practice
10. Asynchronous and parallel FP
11. Computation expressions – a general mechanism for abstraction of computations
12. Functional domain design (FDD)
13. Building a fully functional architecture
Computer-assisted exercise
26 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
1. F# in the modern .NET ecosystem
2. Functional core: functions, composition, and expressiveness
3. Advanced types: records, unions, tuples
4. Pattern matching as a basic flow control mechanism
5. Higher-order functions and functional design
6. Collections, sequences, and lazy evaluation
7. Error handling in professional FP applications
8. Modules, architecture, and design patterns in F#
9. Working with state in functional systems
10. Asynchronous and parallel functional programming
11. Computation expressions – custom workflow, syntactic sugar
12. Functional domain design (FDD / DDD in F#)
13. Trends