OCaml 5.5.0 just dropped. It brings module-dependent functions, faster compiler switches, polymorphic parameters, and new string utilities. Here's what matters for your code.
Hi, my name is Tom Smykowski. I've spent 19 years building production systems and now focus on AI-assisted development. On this blog I share insights on programming languages, tools, and engineering practices.
OCaml 5.5.0 was just released, and it's a pretty solid update. The changes aren't flashy, but they're the kind of improvements that make daily coding smoother. Let's go over the most interesting ones.
Module Dependent Functions
The compiler now tracks types when working with modules during runtime. This makes it easier to work with generics and types in OCaml. The compiler does the heavy lifting of tracking module types at runtime, so you don't have to write boilerplate to make it work.
Faster Compiler Switches
This change is useful if you work on multiple projects at the same time. OPAM had to re-compile local switches even if a global switch already existed. Now, it just copies it. That means switches will work much faster.