[GHC] #10871: Implement "fat" interface files which can be directly compiled without source

[GHC]

#10871: Implement "fat" interface files which can be directly compiled without
source
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        Reporter:  ezyang            |                Owner:  ezyang
            Type:  feature request   |               Status:  new
        Priority:  normal            |            Milestone:
       Component:  Compiler          |              Version:  7.11
      Resolution:                    |             Keywords:  backpack
Operating System:  Unknown/Multiple  |         Architecture:
                                     |  Unknown/Multiple
 Type of failure:  None/Unknown      |            Test Case:
      Blocked By:                    |             Blocking:
 Related Tickets:                    |  Differential Rev(s):
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Comment (by mgsloan):

 This is a really cool idea.  I'd like to encourage putting as much info as
 possible into these hi-fat files (or potentially make that an option).
 For example, type information for every sub expression, exact names for
 identifiers, and SrcLoc info.  Why?  Because this could also potentially
 allow for querying information about libraries without compiling them.
 For example, you might jump into some library code by using "go-to-
 definition" in an IDE.  It would be excellent to then be able to
 immediately get info about the code you've jumped into, via these fat hi
 files.  I don't know much about GHC internals, so maybe this doesn't make
 much sense.  But, something to consider!

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Ticket URL: <http://ghc.haskell.org/trac/ghc/ticket/10871#comment:8>
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