Trivial parsec example produces a type error

Question

I'm trying to get this trivial parsec code to compile

import Text.Parsec
simple = letter

but I keep getting this error

No instance for (Stream s0 m0 Char)
  arising from a use of `letter'
Possible fix: add an instance declaration for (Stream s0 m0 Char)
In the expression: letter
In an equation for `simple': simple = letter

Answer 1

I think you have ran against the monomorphism restriction. This restriction means: If a variable is declared with no explicit arguments, its type has to be monomorphic. This forces the typechecker to pick a particular instance of Stream, but it can't decide.

There are two ways to fight it:

1. Give simple an explicit signature:

   simple :: Stream s m Char => ParsecT s u m Char
   simple = letter
   

2. Disable the monorphism restriction:

   {-# LANGUAGE NoMonomorphismRestriction #-}
   import Text.Parsec
   simple = letter
   

See What is the monomorphism restriction? for more information on the monomorphism restriction.