alpha conversion

theory In lambda-calculus and reduction, the renaming of

a formal parameter in a lambda abstraction. This does not

change the meaning of the abstraction. For example:

x . x+1 -- y . y+1

If the actual argument to a lambda abstraction contains

instances of the abstraction's formal parameter then it is

necessary to rename the parameter before applying the

abstraction to avoid name capture.

(1995-05-10)