GHC, modules, and pure evaluation

What you will learn

• Explain ghc in Haskell using the correct mental model
• Trace a focused Haskell example and predict its result before execution
• Recognize a boundary case involving modules and handle it deliberately

The concept

GHC, modules, and pure evaluation is a defining part of practical Haskell work. Start by identifying the data or state involved, then trace the operation that changes or interprets it. Pay attention to the rules Haskell applies at this boundary, because those rules explain both the useful behavior and the common failure modes. This lesson keeps the example deliberately small, then connects it to expressions, application, and layout so the ideas form a coherent progression rather than a list of isolated syntax facts.

Example

This example is intentionally small so you can trace every line before adapting it.

main :: IO ()
main = putStrLn "Hello from Haskell"

Read it step by step

1. 1
   Locate the idea

   Identify where ghc appears in the Haskell example and name the data it operates on.

2. 2
   Trace the rule

   Trace the relevant Haskell rule one operation at a time, recording any state, type, or control-flow change.

3. 3
   Test a boundary

   Change one input or boundary condition, predict the result, and compare that prediction with the documented outcome.

Common mistakes

Try it yourself