Exploring Data Evolution through Set-Theoretic Types in Elixir

The article delves into the complexities of data evolution in programming, particularly when changing data definitions in libraries can impact a vast ecosystem. It illustrates a scenario where the author encountered a compatibility issue due to a struct definition in Rust that did not align with the expectations in Elixir. The piece proposes that to address such breaking changes, especially in libraries, it is crucial to follow certain principles that ensure backward compatibility while facilitating necessary updates. Notably, it discusses ongoing research into implementing a set-theoretic type system in Elixir which could provide developers with tools for more robust data versioning. The author presents ideas on how structural subtyping could allow for better coexistence of old and new schema versions, potentially supported by a versioning mechanism for structs. The discussion includes potential approaches to defining and managing revisions in data structures, ensuring that developers can evolve their code with fewer breaking changes and greater ease.