Dependent Types

Dependent types are types in programming languages that depend on specific values rather than just general categories. For example, instead of just defining a type "Array," a dependent type can specify "An array of length n," where n is a value. This allows programs to encode more precise information about data, enabling the compiler to verify correctness—for instance, ensuring functions only operate on arrays of the correct size—before the program runs. In essence, dependent types connect data and its properties, making programs safer and more reliable through enhanced type information.