Predicate Transformer Semantics (Cambridge Tracts in Theoretical Computer Science, Series Number 33) - Hardcover

Manes, Ernest. G.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521420369 ISBN 13: 9780521420365

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1992

Synopsis

A central problem in the design of programming systems is to provide methods for verifying that computer code performs to specification. This book presents a rigorous foundation for defining Boolean categories, in which the relationship between specification and behaviour can be explored. Boolean categories provide a rich interface between program constructs and techniques familiar from algebra, for instance matrix- or ideal-theoretic methods. The book's distinction is that the approach relies on only a single program construct (the first-order theory of categories), the others being derived mathematically from four axioms. Development of these axioms (which are obeyed by an abundance of program paradigms) yields Boolean algebras of 'predicates', loop-free constructs, and a calculus of partial and total correctness which is shown to be the standard one of Hoare, Dijkstra, Pratt, and Kozen. The book is based in part on courses taught by the author, and will appeal to graduate students and researchers in theoretical computer science.

About this title

Book Description

A central problem in the design of programming systems is to provide methods for verifying that computer code performs to specification. This book presents a rigorous foundation for defining Boolean categories, in which the relationship between specification and behaviour can be explored. The book is based in part on courses taught by the author, and will appeal to graduate students and researchers in theoretical computer science.

Review

"A careful reading of the book helps the reader understand many issues about the categorical semantics of programming languages. It also opens the way to the literature in the field. The book is useful for both postgraduate courses and researchers." Alberto Pettorossi, Computing Reviews

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521420369
• ISBN 13: 9780521420365
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 233