Frex: dependently-typed algebraic simplification

Abstract

We present a new design for an algebraic simplification library structured around concepts from universal algebra: theories, models, homomorphisms, and universal properties of free algebras and free extensions of algebras. The library's dependently typed interface guarantees that both built-in and user-defined simplification modules are terminating, sound, and complete with respect to a well-specified class of equations. We have implemented the design in the Idris 2 and Agda dependently typed programming languages and shown that it supports modular extension to new theories, proof extraction and certification, goal extraction via reflection, and interactive development.