Correctness via compilation to logic

Abstract

Advances in automated theorem provers over the last decade have led to a renaissance in software tools that compile problems of correctness to problems over logic formula. In this talk, I will review progress in automated theorem provers, such as Z3 from Microsoft Research, and consider a variety of program correctness tools that build upon Z3, such as automated test generators, automated safety/termination checkers, as well as interactive functional verifiers. I'll then describe a number of new projects that make use of the "correctness via compilation to logic" approach, including the design of new programming languages, ensuring the security of data centers, and safely programming gesture recognizers such as Kinect.