model&modelize: introduce default parameters
[nit.git] / src / modelize / modelize_property.nit
index ba62b6e..3243f96 100644 (file)
@@ -86,7 +86,8 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                # Force building recursively
                if nclassdef.build_properties_is_done then return
                nclassdef.build_properties_is_done = true
-               var mclassdef = nclassdef.mclassdef.as(not null)
+               var mclassdef = nclassdef.mclassdef
+               if mclassdef == null then return # skip error
                if mclassdef.in_hierarchy == null then return # Skip error
                for superclassdef in mclassdef.in_hierarchy.direct_greaters do
                        if not mclassdef2nclassdef.has_key(superclassdef) then continue
@@ -102,6 +103,24 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                                npropdef.build_signature(self)
                        end
                        for npropdef in nclassdef2.n_propdefs do
+                               if not npropdef isa ATypePropdef then continue
+                               # Check circularity
+                               var mpropdef = npropdef.mpropdef
+                               if mpropdef == null then continue
+                               if mpropdef.bound == null then continue
+                               if not check_virtual_types_circularity(npropdef, mpropdef.mproperty, mclassdef.bound_mtype, mclassdef.mmodule) then
+                                       # Invalidate the bound
+                                       mpropdef.bound = mclassdef.mmodule.model.null_type
+                               end
+                       end
+                       for npropdef in nclassdef2.n_propdefs do
+                               # Check ATypePropdef first since they may be required for the other properties
+                               if not npropdef isa ATypePropdef then continue
+                               npropdef.check_signature(self)
+                       end
+
+                       for npropdef in nclassdef2.n_propdefs do
+                               if npropdef isa ATypePropdef then continue
                                npropdef.check_signature(self)
                        end
                end
@@ -171,13 +190,13 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                                if sig == null then continue # Skip broken method
 
                                if not npropdef.mpropdef.is_intro then
-                                       self.error(at, "Error: `autoinit` cannot be set on redefinitions")
+                                       self.error(at, "Error: `autoinit` cannot be set on redefinitions.")
                                        continue
                                end
 
                                for param in sig.mparameters do
                                        var ret_type = param.mtype
-                                       var mparameter = new MParameter(param.name, ret_type, false)
+                                       var mparameter = new MParameter(param.name, ret_type, false, ret_type isa MNullableType)
                                        mparameters.add(mparameter)
                                end
                                initializers.add(npropdef.mpropdef.mproperty)
@@ -198,7 +217,7 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                                var paramname = npropdef.mpropdef.mproperty.name.substring_from(1)
                                var ret_type = npropdef.mpropdef.static_mtype
                                if ret_type == null then return
-                               var mparameter = new MParameter(paramname, ret_type, false)
+                               var mparameter = new MParameter(paramname, ret_type, false, ret_type isa MNullableType)
                                mparameters.add(mparameter)
                                var msetter = npropdef.mwritepropdef
                                if msetter == null then
@@ -218,7 +237,7 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                # Look for most-specific new-stype init definitions
                var spropdefs = the_root_init_mmethod.lookup_super_definitions(mclassdef.mmodule, mclassdef.bound_mtype)
                if spropdefs.is_empty then
-                       toolcontext.error(nclassdef.location, "Error: {mclassdef} does not specialize {the_root_init_mmethod.intro_mclassdef}. Possible duplication of the root class `Object`?")
+                       toolcontext.error(nclassdef.location, "Error: `{mclassdef}` does not specialize `{the_root_init_mmethod.intro_mclassdef}`. Possible duplication of the root class `Object`?")
                        return
                end
 
@@ -235,14 +254,14 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                        end
 
                        if autoinit.n_args.is_empty then
-                               error(autoinit, "Syntax error: `autoinit` expects method identifiers, use `noautoinit` to clear all autoinits.")
+                               error(autoinit, "Syntax Error: `autoinit` expects method identifiers, use `noautoinit` to clear all autoinits.")
                        end
 
                        # Get and check each argument
                        for narg in autoinit.n_args do
                                var id = narg.as_id
                                if id == null then
-                                       error(narg, "Syntax error: `autoinit` expects method identifiers.")
+                                       error(narg, "Syntax Error: `autoinit` expects method identifiers.")
                                        return
                                end
 
@@ -267,7 +286,13 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                                if pd isa MMethodDef then
                                        # Get the signature resolved for the current receiver
                                        var sig = pd.msignature.resolve_for(mclassdef.mclass.mclass_type, mclassdef.bound_mtype, mclassdef.mmodule, false)
-                                       mparameters.add_all sig.mparameters
+                                       # Because the last parameter of setters is never default, try to default them for the autoinit.
+                                       for param in sig.mparameters do
+                                               if not param.is_default and param.mtype isa MNullableType then
+                                                       param = new MParameter(param.name, param.mtype, param.is_vararg, true)
+                                               end
+                                               mparameters.add(param)
+                                       end
                                else
                                        # TODO attributes?
                                        abort
@@ -296,6 +321,7 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                                        for p in spd.initializers do
                                                if p != longest.initializers[i] then
                                                        self.error(nclassdef, "Error: conflict for inherited inits {spd}({spd.initializers.join(", ")}) and {longest}({longest.initializers.join(", ")})")
+                                                       # TODO: invalidate the initializer to avoid more errors
                                                        return
                                                end
                                                i += 1
@@ -350,7 +376,7 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                # It is a case-by case
                var vis_type: nullable MVisibility = null # The own visibility of the type
                var mmodule_type: nullable MModule = null # The original module of the type
-               mtype = mtype.as_notnullable
+               mtype = mtype.undecorate
                if mtype isa MClassType then
                        vis_type = mtype.mclass.visibility
                        mmodule_type = mtype.mclass.intro.mmodule
@@ -359,6 +385,8 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                        mmodule_type = mtype.mproperty.intro_mclassdef.mmodule
                else if mtype isa MParameterType then
                        # nothing, always visible
+               else if mtype isa MNullType then
+                       # nothing to do.
                else
                        node.debug "Unexpected type {mtype}"
                        abort
@@ -368,10 +396,10 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                        assert mmodule_type != null
                        var vis_module_type = mmodule.visibility_for(mmodule_type) # the visibility of the original module
                        if mproperty.visibility > vis_type then
-                               error(node, "Error: The {mproperty.visibility} property `{mproperty}` cannot contain the {vis_type} type `{mtype}`")
+                               error(node, "Error: the {mproperty.visibility} property `{mproperty}` cannot contain the {vis_type} type `{mtype}`.")
                                return
                        else if mproperty.visibility > vis_module_type then
-                               error(node, "Error: The {mproperty.visibility} property `{mproperty}` cannot contain the type `{mtype}` from the {vis_module_type} module `{mmodule_type}`")
+                               error(node, "Error: the {mproperty.visibility} property `{mproperty}` cannot contain the type `{mtype}` from the {vis_module_type} module `{mmodule_type}`.")
                                return
                        end
                end
@@ -387,6 +415,72 @@ redef class ModelBuilder
                        for t in mtype.arguments do check_visibility(node, t, mpropdef)
                end
        end
+
+       # Detect circularity errors for virtual types.
+       fun check_virtual_types_circularity(node: ANode, mproperty: MVirtualTypeProp, recv: MType, mmodule: MModule): Bool
+       do
+               # Check circularity
+               # Slow case: progress on each resolution until we visit all without getting a loop
+
+               # The graph used to detect loops
+               var mtype = mproperty.mvirtualtype
+               var poset = new POSet[MType]
+
+               # The work-list of types to resolve
+               var todo = new List[MType]
+               todo.add mtype
+
+               while not todo.is_empty do
+                       # The visited type
+                       var t = todo.pop
+
+                       if not t.need_anchor then continue
+
+                       # Get the types derived of `t` (subtypes and bounds)
+                       var nexts
+                       if t isa MNullableType then
+                               nexts = [t.mtype]
+                       else if t isa MGenericType then
+                               nexts = t.arguments
+                       else if t isa MVirtualType then
+                               var vt = t.mproperty
+                               # Because `vt` is possibly unchecked, we have to do the bound-lookup manually
+                               var defs = vt.lookup_definitions(mmodule, recv)
+                               # TODO something to manage correctly bound conflicts
+                               assert not defs.is_empty
+                               nexts = new Array[MType]
+                               for d in defs do
+                                       var next = defs.first.bound
+                                       if next == null then return false
+                                       nexts.add next
+                               end
+                       else if t isa MClassType then
+                               # Basic type, nothing to to
+                               continue
+                       else if t isa MParameterType then
+                               # Parameter types cannot depend on virtual types, so nothing to do
+                               continue
+                       else
+                               abort
+                       end
+
+                       # For each one
+                       for next in nexts do
+                               if poset.has_edge(next, t) then
+                                       if mtype == next then
+                                               error(node, "Error: circularity of virtual type definition: {next} <-> {t}.")
+                                       else
+                                               error(node, "Error: circularity of virtual type definition: {mtype} -> {next} <-> {t}.")
+                                       end
+                                       return false
+                               else
+                                       poset.add_edge(t, next)
+                                       todo.add next
+                               end
+                       end
+               end
+               return true
+       end
 end
 
 redef class MPropDef
@@ -439,17 +533,17 @@ redef class MClassDef
 
                        # SELF must be declared in Object, otherwise this will create conflicts
                        if intro_mclassdef.mclass.name != "Object" then
-                               modelbuilder.error(nintro, "Error: the virtual type SELF must be declared in Object.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(nintro, "Error: the virtual type `SELF` must be declared in `Object`.")
                        end
 
                        # SELF must be public
                        if mprop.visibility != public_visibility then
-                               modelbuilder.error(nintro, "Error: the virtual type SELF must be public.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(nintro, "Error: the virtual type `SELF` must be public.")
                        end
 
                        # SELF must not be fixed
                        if intro.is_fixed then
-                               modelbuilder.error(nintro, "Error: the virtual type SELF cannot be fixed.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(nintro, "Error: the virtual type `SELF` cannot be fixed.")
                        end
 
                        return
@@ -469,26 +563,26 @@ redef class APropdef
        # The associated propdef once build by a `ModelBuilder`
        var mpropdef: nullable MPROPDEF is writable
 
-       private fun build_property(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder, mclassdef: MClassDef) is abstract
-       private fun build_signature(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder) is abstract
-       private fun check_signature(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder) is abstract
+       private fun build_property(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder, mclassdef: MClassDef) do end
+       private fun build_signature(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder) do end
+       private fun check_signature(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder) do end
        private fun new_property_visibility(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder, mclassdef: MClassDef, nvisibility: nullable AVisibility): MVisibility
        do
                var mvisibility = public_visibility
                if nvisibility != null then
                        mvisibility = nvisibility.mvisibility
                        if mvisibility == intrude_visibility then
-                               modelbuilder.error(nvisibility, "Error: intrude is not a legal visibility for properties.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(nvisibility, "Error: `intrude` is not a legal visibility for properties.")
                                mvisibility = public_visibility
                        end
                end
                if mclassdef.mclass.visibility == private_visibility then
                        if mvisibility == protected_visibility then
                                assert nvisibility != null
-                               modelbuilder.error(nvisibility, "Error: The only legal visibility for properties in a private class is private.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(nvisibility, "Error: `private` is the only legal visibility for properties in a private class.")
                        else if mvisibility == private_visibility then
                                assert nvisibility != null
-                               modelbuilder.advice(nvisibility, "useless-visibility", "Warning: private is superfluous since the only legal visibility for properties in a private class is private.")
+                               modelbuilder.advice(nvisibility, "useless-visibility", "Warning: `private` is superfluous since the only legal visibility for properties in a private class is private.")
                        end
                        mvisibility = private_visibility
                end
@@ -524,29 +618,20 @@ redef class APropdef
                if nvisibility == null then return
                var mvisibility = nvisibility.mvisibility
                if mvisibility != mprop.visibility and mvisibility != public_visibility then
-                               modelbuilder.error(nvisibility, "Error: redefinition changed the visibility from a {mprop.visibility} to a {mvisibility}")
+                               modelbuilder.error(nvisibility, "Error: redefinition changed the visibility from `{mprop.visibility}` to `{mvisibility}`.")
                end
        end
 
        private fun check_redef_keyword(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder, mclassdef: MClassDef, kwredef: nullable Token, need_redef: Bool, mprop: MProperty): Bool
        do
                if mclassdef.mprop2npropdef.has_key(mprop) then
-                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: A property {mprop} is already defined in class {mclassdef.mclass} at line {mclassdef.mprop2npropdef[mprop].location.line_start}.")
+                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: a property `{mprop}` is already defined in class `{mclassdef.mclass}` at line {mclassdef.mprop2npropdef[mprop].location.line_start}.")
                        return false
                end
-               if mprop isa MMethod and mprop.is_toplevel != (parent isa ATopClassdef) then
-                       if mprop.is_toplevel then
-                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: {mprop} is a top level method.")
-                       else
-                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: {mprop} is not a top level method.")
-                       end
-                       return false
-
-               end
                if mprop isa MMethod and mprop.is_root_init then return true
                if kwredef == null then
                        if need_redef then
-                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Redef error: {mclassdef.mclass}::{mprop.name} is an inherited property. To redefine it, add the redef keyword.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Redef Error: `{mclassdef.mclass}::{mprop.name}` is an inherited property. To redefine it, add the `redef` keyword.")
                                return false
                        end
 
@@ -563,7 +648,7 @@ redef class APropdef
                        end
                else
                        if not need_redef then
-                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: No property {mclassdef.mclass}::{mprop.name} is inherited. Remove the redef keyword to define a new property.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: no property `{mclassdef.mclass}::{mprop.name}` is inherited. Remove the `redef` keyword to define a new property.")
                                return false
                        end
                end
@@ -597,14 +682,14 @@ redef class ASignature
                        param_names.add(np.n_id.text)
                        var ntype = np.n_type
                        if ntype != null then
-                               var mtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype)
+                               var mtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype_unchecked(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype, true)
                                if mtype == null then return false # Skip error
                                for i in [0..param_names.length-param_types.length[ do
                                        param_types.add(mtype)
                                end
                                if np.n_dotdotdot != null then
                                        if self.vararg_rank != -1 then
-                                               modelbuilder.error(np, "Error: {param_names[self.vararg_rank]} is already a vararg")
+                                               modelbuilder.error(np, "Error: `{param_names[self.vararg_rank]}` is already a vararg")
                                                return false
                                        else
                                                self.vararg_rank = param_names.length - 1
@@ -614,7 +699,7 @@ redef class ASignature
                end
                var ntype = self.n_type
                if ntype != null then
-                       self.ret_type = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype)
+                       self.ret_type = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype_unchecked(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype, true)
                        if self.ret_type == null then return false # Skip error
                end
 
@@ -622,24 +707,24 @@ redef class ASignature
                return true
        end
 
-       # Build a visited signature
-       fun build_signature(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder): nullable MSignature
+       private fun check_signature(modelbuilder: ModelBuilder, mclassdef: MClassDef): Bool
        do
-               if param_names.length != param_types.length then
-                       # Some parameters are typed, other parameters are not typed.
-                       modelbuilder.error(self.n_params[param_types.length], "Error: Untyped parameter `{param_names[param_types.length]}'.")
-                       return null
+               var res = true
+               for np in self.n_params do
+                       var ntype = np.n_type
+                       if ntype != null then
+                               if modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mclassdef.mmodule, mclassdef, ntype) == null then
+                                       res = false
+                               end
+                       end
                end
-
-               var mparameters = new Array[MParameter]
-               for i in [0..param_names.length[ do
-                       var mparameter = new MParameter(param_names[i], param_types[i], i == vararg_rank)
-                       self.n_params[i].mparameter = mparameter
-                       mparameters.add(mparameter)
+               var ntype = self.n_type
+               if ntype != null then
+                       if modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mclassdef.mmodule, mclassdef, ntype) == null then
+                               res = false
+                       end
                end
-
-               var msignature = new MSignature(mparameters, ret_type)
-               return msignature
+               return res
        end
 end
 
@@ -711,8 +796,17 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                        name = amethodid.collect_text
                        name_node = amethodid
 
-                       if name == "-" and self.n_signature.n_params.length == 0 then
+                       var arity = self.n_signature.n_params.length
+                       if name == "+" and arity == 0 then
+                               name = "unary +"
+                       else if name == "-" and arity == 0 then
                                name = "unary -"
+                       else
+                               if amethodid.is_binary and arity != 1 then
+                                       modelbuilder.error(self.n_signature, "Syntax Error: binary operator `{name}` requires exactly one parameter; got {arity}.")
+                               else if amethodid.min_arity > arity then
+                                       modelbuilder.error(self.n_signature, "Syntax Error: `{name}` requires at least {amethodid.min_arity} parameter(s); got {arity}.")
+                               end
                        end
                end
 
@@ -735,7 +829,8 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                        end
                        mprop.is_init = is_init
                        mprop.is_new = n_kwnew != null
-                       if parent isa ATopClassdef then mprop.is_toplevel = true
+                       if mprop.is_new then mclassdef.mclass.has_new_factory = true
+                       if name == "sys" then mprop.is_toplevel = true # special case for sys allowed in `new` factories
                        self.check_redef_keyword(modelbuilder, mclassdef, n_kwredef, false, mprop)
                else
                        if not self.check_redef_keyword(modelbuilder, mclassdef, n_kwredef, not self isa AMainMethPropdef, mprop) then return
@@ -785,6 +880,9 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                        end
                end
 
+               var accept_special_last_parameter = self.n_methid == null or self.n_methid.accept_special_last_parameter
+               var return_is_mandatory = self.n_methid != null and self.n_methid.return_is_mandatory
+
                # Retrieve info from the signature AST
                var param_names = new Array[String] # Names of parameters from the AST
                var param_types = new Array[MType] # Types of parameters from the AST
@@ -812,7 +910,7 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                        if param_names.length != msignature.arity then
                                var node: ANode
                                if nsig != null then node = nsig else node = self
-                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef error: {mpropdef} redefines {mpropdef.mproperty.intro} with {param_names.length} parameter(s), {msignature.arity} expected. Signature is {mpropdef}{msignature}")
+                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: expected {msignature.arity} parameter(s) for `{mpropdef.mproperty.name}{msignature}`; got {param_names.length}. See introduction at `{mpropdef.mproperty.full_name}`.")
                                return
                        end
                else if mpropdef.mproperty.is_init and not mpropdef.mproperty.is_new then
@@ -844,13 +942,19 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
 
                if param_names.length != param_types.length then
                        # Some parameters are typed, other parameters are not typed.
-                       modelbuilder.error(nsig.n_params[param_types.length], "Error: Untyped parameter `{param_names[param_types.length]}'.")
+                       modelbuilder.error(nsig.n_params[param_types.length], "Error: untyped parameter `{param_names[param_types.length]}'.")
                        return
                end
 
                var mparameters = new Array[MParameter]
                for i in [0..param_names.length[ do
-                       var mparameter = new MParameter(param_names[i], param_types[i], i == vararg_rank)
+                       var is_default = false
+                       if vararg_rank == -1 and param_types[i] isa MNullableType then
+                               if i < param_names.length-1 or accept_special_last_parameter then
+                                       is_default = true
+                               end
+                       end
+                       var mparameter = new MParameter(param_names[i], param_types[i], i == vararg_rank, is_default)
                        if nsig != null then nsig.n_params[i].mparameter = mparameter
                        mparameters.add(mparameter)
                end
@@ -858,11 +962,23 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                # In `new`-factories, the return type is by default the classtype.
                if ret_type == null and mpropdef.mproperty.is_new then ret_type = mclassdef.mclass.mclass_type
 
+               # Special checks for operator methods
+               if not accept_special_last_parameter and mparameters.not_empty and mparameters.last.is_vararg then
+                       modelbuilder.error(self.n_signature.n_params.last, "Error: illegal variadic parameter `{mparameters.last}` for `{mpropdef.mproperty.name}`.")
+               end
+               if ret_type == null and return_is_mandatory then
+                       modelbuilder.error(self.n_methid, "Error: mandatory return type for `{mpropdef.mproperty.name}`.")
+               end
+
                msignature = new MSignature(mparameters, ret_type)
                mpropdef.msignature = msignature
                mpropdef.is_abstract = self.get_single_annotation("abstract", modelbuilder) != null
                mpropdef.is_intern = self.get_single_annotation("intern", modelbuilder) != null
                mpropdef.is_extern = self.n_extern_code_block != null or self.get_single_annotation("extern", modelbuilder) != null
+
+               # Check annotations
+               var at = self.get_single_annotation("lazy", modelbuilder)
+               if at != null then modelbuilder.error(at, "Syntax Error: `lazy` must be used on attributes.")
        end
 
        redef fun check_signature(modelbuilder)
@@ -875,6 +991,14 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                var mysignature = self.mpropdef.msignature
                if mysignature == null then return # Error thus skiped
 
+               # Check
+               if nsig != null then
+                       if not nsig.check_signature(modelbuilder, mclassdef) then
+                               self.mpropdef.msignature = null # invalidate
+                               return # Forward error
+                       end
+               end
+
                # Lookup for signature in the precursor
                # FIXME all precursors should be considered
                if not mpropdef.is_intro then
@@ -884,7 +1008,8 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                        var precursor_ret_type = msignature.return_mtype
                        var ret_type = mysignature.return_mtype
                        if ret_type != null and precursor_ret_type == null then
-                               modelbuilder.error(nsig.n_type.as(not null), "Redef Error: {mpropdef.mproperty} is a procedure, not a function.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(nsig.n_type.as(not null), "Redef Error: `{mpropdef.mproperty}` is a procedure, not a function.")
+                               self.mpropdef.msignature = null
                                return
                        end
 
@@ -895,7 +1020,8 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                                        var prt = msignature.mparameters[i].mtype
                                        var node = nsig.n_params[i]
                                        if not modelbuilder.check_sametype(node, mmodule, mclassdef.bound_mtype, myt, prt) then
-                                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: Wrong type for parameter `{mysignature.mparameters[i].name}'. found {myt}, expected {prt} as in {mpropdef.mproperty.intro}.")
+                                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: expected `{prt}` for parameter `{mysignature.mparameters[i].name}'; got `{myt}`.")
+                                               self.mpropdef.msignature = null
                                        end
                                end
                        end
@@ -907,7 +1033,8 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
                                        # Inherit the return type
                                        ret_type = precursor_ret_type
                                else if not modelbuilder.check_subtype(node, mmodule, mclassdef.bound_mtype, ret_type, precursor_ret_type) then
-                                       modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: Wrong return type. found {ret_type}, expected {precursor_ret_type} as in {mpropdef.mproperty.intro}.")
+                                       modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: expected `{precursor_ret_type}` for return type; got `{ret_type}`.")
+                                       self.mpropdef.msignature = null
                                end
                        end
                end
@@ -924,6 +1051,56 @@ redef class AMethPropdef
        end
 end
 
+redef class AMethid
+       # Is a return required?
+       #
+       # * True for operators and brackets.
+       # * False for id and assignment.
+       fun return_is_mandatory: Bool do return true
+
+       # Can the last parameter be special like a vararg?
+       #
+       # * False for operators: the last one is in fact the only one.
+       # * False for assignments: it is the right part of the assignment.
+       # * True for ids and brackets.
+       fun accept_special_last_parameter: Bool do return false
+
+       # The minimum required number of parameters.
+       #
+       # * 1 for binary operators
+       # * 1 for brackets
+       # * 1 for assignments
+       # * 2 for bracket assignments
+       # * 0 for ids
+       fun min_arity: Int do return 1
+
+       # Is the `self` a binary operator?
+       fun is_binary: Bool do return true
+end
+
+redef class AIdMethid
+       redef fun return_is_mandatory do return false
+       redef fun accept_special_last_parameter do return true
+       redef fun min_arity do return 0
+       redef fun is_binary do return false
+end
+
+redef class ABraMethid
+       redef fun accept_special_last_parameter do return true
+       redef fun is_binary do return false
+end
+
+redef class ABraassignMethid
+       redef fun return_is_mandatory do return false
+       redef fun min_arity do return 2
+       redef fun is_binary do return false
+end
+
+redef class AAssignMethid
+       redef fun return_is_mandatory do return false
+       redef fun is_binary do return false
+end
+
 redef class AAttrPropdef
        redef type MPROPDEF: MAttributeDef
 
@@ -951,32 +1128,27 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
        redef fun build_property(modelbuilder, mclassdef)
        do
                var mclass = mclassdef.mclass
+               var nid2 = n_id2
+               var name = nid2.text
 
-               var name: String
-               name = self.n_id2.text
+               var atabstract = self.get_single_annotation("abstract", modelbuilder)
+               if atabstract == null then
+                       if not mclass.kind.need_init then
+                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: attempt to define attribute `{name}` in the {mclass.kind} `{mclass}`.")
+                       end
 
-               if mclass.kind == interface_kind or mclassdef.mclass.kind == enum_kind then
-                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: Attempt to define attribute {name} in the interface {mclass}.")
-               else if mclass.kind == enum_kind then
-                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: Attempt to define attribute {name} in the enum class {mclass}.")
-               else if mclass.kind == extern_kind then
-                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: Attempt to define attribute {name} in the extern class {mclass}.")
+                       var mprop = new MAttribute(mclassdef, "_" + name, private_visibility)
+                       var mpropdef = new MAttributeDef(mclassdef, mprop, self.location)
+                       self.mpropdef = mpropdef
+                       modelbuilder.mpropdef2npropdef[mpropdef] = self
                end
 
-               # New attribute style
-               var nid2 = self.n_id2
-               var mprop = new MAttribute(mclassdef, "_" + name, private_visibility)
-               var mpropdef = new MAttributeDef(mclassdef, mprop, self.location)
-               self.mpropdef = mpropdef
-               modelbuilder.mpropdef2npropdef[mpropdef] = self
-
                var readname = name
                var mreadprop = modelbuilder.try_get_mproperty_by_name(nid2, mclassdef, readname).as(nullable MMethod)
                if mreadprop == null then
                        var mvisibility = new_property_visibility(modelbuilder, mclassdef, self.n_visibility)
                        mreadprop = new MMethod(mclassdef, readname, mvisibility)
                        if not self.check_redef_keyword(modelbuilder, mclassdef, n_kwredef, false, mreadprop) then return
-                       mreadprop.deprecation = mprop.deprecation
                else
                        if not self.check_redef_keyword(modelbuilder, mclassdef, n_kwredef, true, mreadprop) then return
                        check_redef_property_visibility(modelbuilder, self.n_visibility, mreadprop)
@@ -987,16 +1159,26 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                self.mreadpropdef = mreadpropdef
                modelbuilder.mpropdef2npropdef[mreadpropdef] = self
                set_doc(mreadpropdef, modelbuilder)
-               mpropdef.mdoc = mreadpropdef.mdoc
+               if mpropdef != null then mpropdef.mdoc = mreadpropdef.mdoc
+               if atabstract != null then mreadpropdef.is_abstract = true
 
                has_value = n_expr != null or n_block != null
 
+               if atabstract != null and has_value then
+                       modelbuilder.error(atabstract, "Error: `abstract` attributes cannot have an initial value.")
+                       return
+               end
+
                var atnoinit = self.get_single_annotation("noinit", modelbuilder)
                if atnoinit == null then atnoinit = self.get_single_annotation("noautoinit", modelbuilder)
                if atnoinit != null then
                        noinit = true
                        if has_value then
-                               modelbuilder.error(atnoinit, "Error: `noautoinit` attributes cannot have an initial value")
+                               modelbuilder.error(atnoinit, "Error: `noautoinit` attributes cannot have an initial value.")
+                               return
+                       end
+                       if atabstract != null then
+                               modelbuilder.error(atnoinit, "Error: `noautoinit` attributes cannot be abstract.")
                                return
                        end
                end
@@ -1005,15 +1187,16 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                var atautoinit = self.get_single_annotation("autoinit", modelbuilder)
                if atlazy != null or atautoinit != null then
                        if atlazy != null and atautoinit != null then
-                               modelbuilder.error(atlazy, "Error: lazy incompatible with autoinit")
+                               modelbuilder.error(atlazy, "Error: `lazy` incompatible with `autoinit`.")
                                return
                        end
                        if not has_value then
                                if atlazy != null then
-                                       modelbuilder.error(atlazy, "Error: a lazy attribute needs a value")
+                                       modelbuilder.error(atlazy, "Error: `lazy` attributes need a value.")
                                else if atautoinit != null then
-                                       modelbuilder.error(atautoinit, "Error: a autoinit attribute needs a value")
+                                       modelbuilder.error(atautoinit, "Error: `autoinit` attributes need a value.")
                                end
+                               has_value = true
                                return
                        end
                        is_lazy = true
@@ -1025,7 +1208,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                var atreadonly = self.get_single_annotation("readonly", modelbuilder)
                if atreadonly != null then
                        if not has_value then
-                               modelbuilder.error(atreadonly, "Error: a readonly attribute needs a value")
+                               modelbuilder.error(atreadonly, "Error: `readonly` attributes need a value.")
                        end
                        # No setter, so just leave
                        return
@@ -1050,7 +1233,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                        end
                        mwriteprop = new MMethod(mclassdef, writename, mvisibility)
                        if not self.check_redef_keyword(modelbuilder, mclassdef, nwkwredef, false, mwriteprop) then return
-                       mwriteprop.deprecation = mprop.deprecation
+                       mwriteprop.deprecation = mreadprop.deprecation
                else
                        if not self.check_redef_keyword(modelbuilder, mclassdef, nwkwredef or else n_kwredef, true, mwriteprop) then return
                        if atwritable != null then
@@ -1062,28 +1245,29 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                var mwritepropdef = new MMethodDef(mclassdef, mwriteprop, self.location)
                self.mwritepropdef = mwritepropdef
                modelbuilder.mpropdef2npropdef[mwritepropdef] = self
-               mwritepropdef.mdoc = mpropdef.mdoc
+               mwritepropdef.mdoc = mreadpropdef.mdoc
+               if atabstract != null then mwritepropdef.is_abstract = true
        end
 
        redef fun build_signature(modelbuilder)
        do
+               var mreadpropdef = self.mreadpropdef
                var mpropdef = self.mpropdef
-               if mpropdef == null then return # Error thus skipped
-               var mclassdef = mpropdef.mclassdef
+               if mreadpropdef == null then return # Error thus skipped
+               var mclassdef = mreadpropdef.mclassdef
                var mmodule = mclassdef.mmodule
                var mtype: nullable MType = null
 
-               var mreadpropdef = self.mreadpropdef
 
                var ntype = self.n_type
                if ntype != null then
-                       mtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype)
+                       mtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype_unchecked(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype, true)
                        if mtype == null then return
                end
 
                var inherited_type: nullable MType = null
                # Inherit the type from the getter (usually an abstract getter)
-               if mreadpropdef != null and not mreadpropdef.is_intro then
+               if not mreadpropdef.is_intro then
                        var msignature = mreadpropdef.mproperty.intro.msignature
                        if msignature == null then return # Error, thus skipped
                        inherited_type = msignature.return_mtype
@@ -1098,7 +1282,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                if mtype == null then
                        if nexpr != null then
                                if nexpr isa ANewExpr then
-                                       mtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, nexpr.n_type)
+                                       mtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype_unchecked(mmodule, mclassdef, nexpr.n_type, true)
                                else if nexpr isa AIntExpr then
                                        var cla = modelbuilder.try_get_mclass_by_name(nexpr, mmodule, "Int")
                                        if cla != null then mtype = cla.mclass_type
@@ -1118,14 +1302,14 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                                        var cla = modelbuilder.try_get_mclass_by_name(nexpr, mmodule, "String")
                                        if cla != null then mtype = cla.mclass_type
                                else
-                                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: Untyped attribute {mpropdef}. Implicit typing allowed only for literals and new.")
+                                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: untyped attribute `{mreadpropdef}`. Implicit typing allowed only for literals and new.")
                                end
 
                                if mtype == null then return
                        end
                else if ntype != null and inherited_type == mtype then
                        if nexpr isa ANewExpr then
-                               var xmtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, nexpr.n_type)
+                               var xmtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype_unchecked(mmodule, mclassdef, nexpr.n_type, true)
                                if xmtype == mtype then
                                        modelbuilder.advice(ntype, "useless-type", "Warning: useless type definition")
                                end
@@ -1133,13 +1317,15 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                end
 
                if mtype == null then
-                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: Untyped attribute {mpropdef}")
+                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: untyped attribute `{mreadpropdef}`.")
                        return
                end
 
-               mpropdef.static_mtype = mtype
+               if mpropdef != null then
+                       mpropdef.static_mtype = mtype
+               end
 
-               if mreadpropdef != null then
+               do
                        var msignature = new MSignature(new Array[MParameter], mtype)
                        mreadpropdef.msignature = msignature
                end
@@ -1148,7 +1334,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                if mwritepropdef != null then
                        var name: String
                        name = n_id2.text
-                       var mparameter = new MParameter(name, mtype, false)
+                       var mparameter = new MParameter(name, mtype, false, false)
                        var msignature = new MSignature([mparameter], null)
                        mwritepropdef.msignature = msignature
                end
@@ -1167,6 +1353,18 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                var mtype = self.mpropdef.static_mtype
                if mtype == null then return # Error thus skipped
 
+               var mclassdef = mpropdef.mclassdef
+               var mmodule = mclassdef.mmodule
+
+               # Check types
+               if ntype != null then
+                       if modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype) == null then return
+               end
+               var nexpr = n_expr
+               if nexpr isa ANewExpr then
+                       if modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, nexpr.n_type) == null then return
+               end
+
                # Lookup for signature in the precursor
                # FIXME all precursors should be considered
                if not mpropdef.is_intro then
@@ -1174,7 +1372,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                        if precursor_type == null then return
 
                        if mtype != precursor_type then
-                               modelbuilder.error(ntype.as(not null), "Redef Error: Wrong static type. found {mtype}, expected {precursor_type}.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(ntype.as(not null), "Redef Error: expected `{precursor_type}` type as a bound; got `{mtype}`.")
                                return
                        end
                end
@@ -1213,7 +1411,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                        if mysignature.arity != msignature.arity then
                                var node: ANode
                                if nsig != null then node = nsig else node = self
-                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: {mysignature.arity} parameters found, {msignature.arity} expected. Signature is {mpropdef}{msignature}")
+                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: expected {msignature.arity} parameter(s) for `{mpropdef.mproperty.name}{msignature}`; got {mysignature.arity}. See introduction at `{mpropdef.mproperty.full_name}`.")
                                return
                        end
                        var precursor_ret_type = msignature.return_mtype
@@ -1221,7 +1419,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                        if ret_type != null and precursor_ret_type == null then
                                var node: ANode
                                if nsig != null then node = nsig else node = self
-                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: {mpropdef.mproperty} is a procedure, not a function.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: `{mpropdef.mproperty}` is a procedure, not a function.")
                                return
                        end
 
@@ -1233,7 +1431,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                                        var node: ANode
                                        if nsig != null then node = nsig else node = self
                                        if not modelbuilder.check_sametype(node, mmodule, mclassdef.bound_mtype, myt, prt) then
-                                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: Wrong type for parameter `{mysignature.mparameters[i].name}'. found {myt}, expected {prt}.")
+                                               modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: expected `{prt}` type for parameter `{mysignature.mparameters[i].name}'; got `{myt}`.")
                                        end
                                end
                        end
@@ -1244,7 +1442,7 @@ redef class AAttrPropdef
                                        # Inherit the return type
                                        ret_type = precursor_ret_type
                                else if not modelbuilder.check_subtype(node, mmodule, mclassdef.bound_mtype, ret_type, precursor_ret_type) then
-                                       modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: Wrong return type. found {ret_type}, expected {precursor_ret_type}.")
+                                       modelbuilder.error(node, "Redef Error: expected `{precursor_ret_type}` return type; got `{ret_type}`.")
                                end
                        end
                end
@@ -1262,7 +1460,7 @@ redef class ATypePropdef
                        var mvisibility = new_property_visibility(modelbuilder, mclassdef, self.n_visibility)
                        mprop = new MVirtualTypeProp(mclassdef, name, mvisibility)
                        for c in name.chars do if c >= 'a' and c<= 'z' then
-                               modelbuilder.warning(n_id, "bad-type-name", "Warning: lowercase in the virtual type {name}")
+                               modelbuilder.warning(n_id, "bad-type-name", "Warning: lowercase in the virtual type `{name}`.")
                                break
                        end
                        if not self.check_redef_keyword(modelbuilder, mclassdef, self.n_kwredef, false, mprop) then return
@@ -1298,7 +1496,7 @@ redef class ATypePropdef
                var mtype: nullable MType = null
 
                var ntype = self.n_type
-               mtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype)
+               mtype = modelbuilder.resolve_mtype_unchecked(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype, true)
                if mtype == null then return
 
                mpropdef.bound = mtype
@@ -1310,7 +1508,7 @@ redef class ATypePropdef
                var mpropdef = self.mpropdef
                if mpropdef == null then return # Error thus skipped
 
-               var bound = self.mpropdef.bound
+               var bound = mpropdef.bound
                if bound == null then return # Error thus skipped
 
                modelbuilder.check_visibility(n_type, bound, mpropdef)
@@ -1319,30 +1517,18 @@ redef class ATypePropdef
                var mmodule = mclassdef.mmodule
                var anchor = mclassdef.bound_mtype
 
-               # Check circularity
-               if bound isa MVirtualType then
-                       # Slow case: progress on each resolution until: (i) we loop, or (ii) we found a non formal type
-                       var seen = [self.mpropdef.mproperty.mvirtualtype]
-                       loop
-                               if seen.has(bound) then
-                                       seen.add(bound)
-                                       modelbuilder.error(self, "Error: circularity of virtual type definition: {seen.join(" -> ")}")
-                                       return
-                               end
-                               seen.add(bound)
-                               var next = bound.lookup_bound(mmodule, anchor)
-                               if not next isa MVirtualType then break
-                               bound = next
-                       end
+               var ntype = self.n_type
+               if modelbuilder.resolve_mtype(mmodule, mclassdef, ntype) == null then
+                       mpropdef.bound = null
+                       return
                end
 
                # Check redefinitions
-               bound = mpropdef.bound.as(not null)
                for p in mpropdef.mproperty.lookup_super_definitions(mmodule, anchor) do
                        var supbound = p.bound
                        if supbound == null then break # broken super bound, skip error
                        if p.is_fixed then
-                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Redef Error: Virtual type {mpropdef.mproperty} is fixed in super-class {p.mclassdef.mclass}")
+                               modelbuilder.error(self, "Redef Error: virtual type `{mpropdef.mproperty}` is fixed in super-class `{p.mclassdef.mclass}`.")
                                break
                        end
                        if p.mclassdef.mclass == mclassdef.mclass then
@@ -1351,7 +1537,7 @@ redef class ATypePropdef
                                break
                        end
                        if not modelbuilder.check_subtype(n_type, mmodule, anchor, bound, supbound) then
-                               modelbuilder.error(n_type, "Redef Error: Wrong bound type. Found {bound}, expected a subtype of {supbound}, as in {p}.")
+                               modelbuilder.error(n_type, "Redef Error: expected `{supbound}` bound type; got `{bound}`.")
                                break
                        end
                end