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Improved message for GHC "No instance for" Errors

Hi,

I would like to propose a modification in the ghc message for "no instance for" errors. In the message, the ghc tells that there's no instance for the type you are using and it give you a hint that you can fix it adding a new instance for your type. But it don't tell me any instance alternative that already exists. So, if I don't know the correct type, I need to look at the documentation.

At least for me, I get this message when I'm using the function in the wrong way or when I forget to specify the some function signature. It's quite rare the I want to add a new instance. Of course that it's not a problem to look at the documentation, but improving it can save a significant time and help the beginers to guess the error and how fix it.

In C++ and Java, when I use g++ or javac and I make a wrong overloading, the compiler show me some alternatives. I think it help more than tell me to add a new overload to the function.

It's possible to do it in ghc?

Trac metadata
Trac field Value
Version 6.10.4
Type Bug
TypeOfFailure OtherFailure
Priority normal
Resolution Unresolved
Component Compiler
Test case
Differential revisions
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Blocking
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Operating system
Architecture
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