Random Variables as a Data Type

Abstract

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.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 13, 1976
Accession Number
ADA026452

Entities

People

  • Alan G. Nemeth

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Algorithms
  • Computations
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Convolution Integrals
  • Distribution Functions
  • Language
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Probability
  • Probability Density Functions
  • Probability Distributions
  • Programming Languages
  • Random Variables
  • Sampling
  • Surveys
  • Theorems

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Computer Science.
  • Mathematical Modeling and Probability Theory.