Curry On
Rome!
July 18-19th, 2016


From Unikernels to Databases to UIs: Truly full-stack apps in OCaml
Sean Grove

@sgrove

Abstract

What happens when your app is its own VM, boots in 50ms, and can share the same code across browser/mobile/server components? Let’s find out!

With libraries like Mirage, js_of_ocaml, & ARM compiler output OCaml apps can operate at such a low level we don’t even need operating systems on the backend anymore (removing 15 million lines of memory-unsafe code) - while at the same time, writing UI’s is easier & more reliable than ever before, with lightweight type-checked code sharing between server, browser clients, & native mobile apps.

We’ll look at a thought experiment of what’s enabled by new tech in OCaml like Unikernels, efficient JS/ARM output, React/Native support, and easy host interop.

Bio

Sean’s been convinced there are better ways to develop applications across the stack for years, and built time-traveling debuggers, interface builders, layout tools, and graphic design tools in his quest to explore the space. His company was the first to deploy ClojureScript’s Om library to a production app in early 2014, he helped lay the architecture for CircleCI’s open-source frontend app and https://www.precursorapp.com.