The Three Pillars of Machine-Based Programming

Justin Gottschlich, Armando Solar-Lezama, Nesime Tatbul, Michael Carbin, Martin Rinard, Regina Barzilay, Saman P. Amarasinghe, Joshua B. Tenenbaum, Tim Mattson

Abstract: In this position paper, we describe our vision of the future of machine programming through a categorical examination of three pillars of research. Those pillars are: (i) intention, (ii) invention, and(iii) adaptation. Intention emphasizes advancements in the human-to-computer and computer-to-machine-learning interfaces. Invention emphasizes the creation or refinement of algorithms or core hardware and software building blocks through machine learning (ML). Adaptation emphasizes advances in the use of ML-based constructs to autonomously evolve software.