We extend type specialisation to a computational lambda calculus with first-class references. The resulting specialiser has been used to specialise a self-interpreter for this typed computational lambda calculus optimally. Furthermore, this specialiser can perform operations on references at specialisation time, when possible.

We present an approach for specialising large programs, such as programs consisting of several modules, or libraries. This approach is based on the idea of using a compiler generator (cogen) for creating generating extensions. Generating extensions are specialisers specialised with respect to some input program. When run on some input data the generating extension produces a specialised version of the input program. Here we use the cogen to tailor modules for specialisation. This happens once and for all, independently of all other modules. The resulting module can then be used as a building block for generating extensions for complete programs, in much the same way as the original modules can be put together into complete programs. The result of running the final generating extension is a collection of residual modules, with a module structure derived from the original program.

In his PEPM’93 paper Mogensen introduced a new off-line specialisation technique, constructor specialisation. What differentiates constructor specialisation from conventiomd specialisation techniques is the ability to specialise construc-