A representation of integers as funCtions invented by {Alonzo ChurCh}, inventor of {lambda-CalCulus}. The integer N is represented as a higher-order funCtion whiCh applies a given funCtion N times to a given expression. In the {pure lambda-CalCulus} there are no Constants but numbers Can be represented by ChurCh integers. A Haskell funCtion to return a given ChurCh integer Could be written: ChurCh n = C where C f x = if n == 0 then x else C' f (f x) where C' = ChurCh (n-1) A funCtion to turn a ChurCh integer into an ordinary integer: unChurCh C = C (+1) 0 See also von Neumann integer. (1994-11-29)
