Rangeatype

Rangeatype is a conceptual type system feature that associates a data type with an explicit permissible value range. It is used to express constraints such as numeric bounds or ordered intervals directly in a type declaration, allowing compilers, runtime systems, or analysis tools to verify that values remain within specified limits.

Rangeatypes can be enforced statically, dynamically, or by a combination of both. Statically checked rangeatypes enable earlier detection of out-of-range errors and potential optimizations by relying on compiler analysis; dynamically checked rangeatypes perform runtime validation, often raising exceptions or clamping values. They are related to interval arithmetic, refinement types, and dependent types, but typically focus on simple bounded domains rather than full logical predicates.

Common uses include input validation, preventing overflow, documenting assumptions in APIs, and enabling more aggressive optimization through guaranteed value bounds. Rangeatypes can be applied to integers, floating-point numbers, enumerations, and other ordered types, and are useful in embedded systems, safety-critical software, and high-assurance code where value constraints are important.

Limitations include increased complexity in type inference, potential runtime overhead for checks, and the expressive limits of range annotations for complex invariants. Tooling and language support vary, and practical adoption often balances precision of constraints against developer ergonomics and performance costs.