Inversion by Partial Evaluation: A Reversible Interpreter Experiment

Abstract: A computational limit of combining partial evaluation and program inversion is investigated. Using a reversible Turing machine interpreter, we show that the first Futamura and inversion projections can produce not only functionally but also textually equivalent programs. The construction of the interpreter in a reversible flowchart language is shown in full. Insights are provided on the practical interplay between reversible interpreters, program inverters, and partial evaluators. We conclude that both projections must be included in the program transformation toolbox.