Computation as Rewriting - Lazy Evaluation and Infinite Lists

Learn how computation can be understood through the lens of rewriting systems in this 50-minute lecture from NPTEL-NOC IITM. Explore the fundamental concept of computation as a process of systematic term rewriting, delve into lazy evaluation strategies that defer computation until results are actually needed, and discover how infinite data structures like lists can be elegantly handled through these computational paradigms. Master the theoretical foundations that underpin functional programming languages and gain insights into how rewriting systems provide a mathematical framework for understanding program execution and optimization.