Derived Preconditions and Their Use in Program Synthesis.
Abstract
In this paper we pose and begin to explore a deductive problem more general than that of finding a proof that a given goal formula logically follows from a given set of hypotheses. The problem is most simply stated in the propositional calculus: given a goal A and hypothesis H we wish to find a formula P, called a precondition, such that A logically follows from both P and H. A precondition provides any additional conditions under which A can be shown to follow from H. A slightly more complex definition of preconditions in a first-order theory is given and used throughout the paper. A formal system based on natural deduction is presented in which preconditions can be derived. A number of examples are then given which show how derived preconditions are used in a program synthesis method we are developing. These uses include theorem proving, formula simplification, simple code generation, the completion of partial specifications for a subalgorithm, and other tasks of a deductive nature. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA113431
Entities
People
- Douglas R. Smith
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School