An algorithm for computing loop functions

Ali Mili, Shir Aharon, Chaitanya Nadkarni

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We consider a while loop on some space S and we are interested in deriving the function that this loop defines between its initial states and its final states (when it terminates). Such a capability is useful in a wide range of applications, including reverse engineering, software maintenance, program comprehension, and program verification. In the absence of a general theoretical solution to the problem of deriving the function of a loop, we explore engineering solutions. In this paper we discuss the design and preliminary implementation of a tool that derives or approximates the function of while loops written in C-like languages.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication20th International Conference on Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering, SEKE 2008
Pages448-453
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2008
Event20th International Conference on Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering, SEKE 2008 - San Francisco Bay, CA, United States
Duration: Jul 1 2008Jul 3 2008

Publication series

Name20th International Conference on Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering, SEKE 2008

Other

Other20th International Conference on Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering, SEKE 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco Bay, CA
Period7/1/087/3/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Software

Keywords

  • Program comprehension
  • Program correctness
  • Program semantics
  • Refinement calculi
  • Reverse engineering
  • Software maintenance
  • Software tools
  • While loops

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