Algebraic semantics and complexity of term rewriting systems

Abstract

The present paper studies the semantics of linear and non-overlapping TRSs. To treat possibly non-terminating reduction, the limit of such a reduction is formalized using Scott's order-theoretic approach. An interpretation of the function symbols of a TRS as a continuous algebra, namely, continuous functions on a cpo, is given, and universality properties of this interpretation are discussed. Also a measure for computational complexity of possibly non-terminating reduction is proposed. The space of complexity forms a cpo and function symbols can be interpreted as monotone functions on it.