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Model checking

Model checking is a software technology consisting in algorithmically checking whether a model (often deriving from a hardware or software design) satisfies a logical specification.

The model is usually expressed as a directed graph consisting of {nodes} (or vertices) and edges. A set of atomic propositions is associated with each node. The nodes represents states of a program, the edges represent possible executions which alters the state, while the atomic propositions represent the basic properties that hold at a point of execution.

A specification language, usually some kind of temporal logic, is used to express properties.

The problem can be expressed mathematically as: given a temporal logic formula p and a model M with initial state s, decide if :.

See also

References

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