Learn OCAML with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 20, 2025
Practical Examples
Recursive Fibonacci and factorial functions
Pattern matching over algebraic data types
Building a simple interpreter or compiler
Implementing a priority queue with modules
Creating a DSL with functors and modules
Troubleshooting
Check type errors and mismatches
Resolve unbound module or identifier issues
Verify recursion termination
Ensure correct module and signature usage
Debug pattern matching exhaustiveness warnings
Testing Guide
Write unit tests using OUnit or Alcotest
Test modules independently
Use property-based testing with QCheck
Check for exhaustiveness in pattern matching
Validate type safety and immutability constraints
Deployment Options
Deploy native binaries
Compile to bytecode for portability
Package libraries via OPAM
Use containers for production deployment
Integrate with CI/CD pipelines
Tools Ecosystem
OCaml compiler (ocamlc/ocamlopt)
OPAM package manager
Dune build system
Utop REPL
Merlin language server for IDEs
Integrations
Interoperability with C via OCaml FFI
JavaScript compilation with BuckleScript/Js_of_ocaml
Integration with Coq for formal verification
Interfacing with databases and network protocols
Building web backends with Ocsigen or Dream
Productivity Tips
Use dune for automated builds
OPAM for dependency management
Merlin for IDE code completion
Write reusable modules and functors
Leverage REPL for iterative development
Challenges
Implement a type-safe calculator
Build a simple interpreter
Design a reusable module library
Optimize recursive algorithms
Integrate OCaml with JavaScript via BuckleScript