total : ('a -> 'b) -> 'a -> 'b option
In ML, there are two main ways for a function to signal that it has been called on an element outside of its intended domain of application: exceptions and options. The function total maps a function that may raise an exception to one that returns an element in the option type. Thus, if f x results in any exception other than Interrupt being raised, then total f x returns NONE. If f x raises Interrupt, then total f x likewise raises Interrupt. If f x returns y, then total f x returns SOME y.
The function total has an inverse partial. Generally speaking, (partial err o total) f equals f, provided that err is the only exception that f raises. Similarly, (total o partial err) f is equal to f.
When application of the second argument to the third argument raises Interrupt.
- 3 div 0; ! Uncaught exception: ! Div - total (op div) (3,0); > val it = NONE : int option - (partial Div o total) (op div) (3,0);