Scheme, like ML, is a programming language with strict evaluation
while others, like Haskell, use lazy evaluation. Scheme, however,
possesses the primitives delay and force
that make it possible to express lazy algorithms.
Lazy evaluation does not go well in conjunction with imperative,
non-functional, side-effecting code. It should, however, be
applicable in a purely functional setting. This is the case for the
delayed evaluation model as described in the R7RS as long as no
dynamically bound variables, also known as parameter objects, are
present. It is the purpose of this SRFI to rework the specification
in the R7RS so that lazy evaluation works with purely functional code
that makes use of dynamic environments or, more generally, the dynamic
extent. This is done by remembering the dynamic extent in effect when
the delay expression is evaluated.
Another perceived misfeature of the R7RS model of delayed evaluation
is the apparent need of the delay-force special form to
express iterative lazy algorithms. It is shown that
the delay-force special form is unneeded and that the
implementation can (and should) handle iterative lazy algorithms
without space leaks.