Shared mutable objects pose grave challenges in reasoning, especially for information hiding and modularity. This paper presents a novel technique for reasoning about error-avoiding partial correctness of programs featuring shared mutable objects, and investigates the technique by formalizing a logic. Using a first order assertion language, the logic provides heap-local reasoning about mutation and separation, via ghost fields and variables of type ‘region ’ (finite sets of object references). A new form of frame condition specifies write, read, and allocation effects using region expressions; this supports a frame rule that allows a command to read state on which the framed predicate depends. Soundness is proved using a standard program semantics. The logic facilitates heap-local reasoning about object invariants, as shown here by examples. Part II of the paper extends the logic with second order framing which formalizes the hiding of data invariants.

Abstract. Region logic is Hoare logic for object-based programs. It features local reasoning with frame conditions expressed in terms of sets of heap locations. This paper studies tableau-based decision procedures for RL, the quantifier-free fragment of the assertion language. This fragment combines sets and (functional) images with the theories of arrays and partial orders. The procedures are of practical interest because they can be integrated efficiently into the satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) framework. We provide a semi-decision procedure for RL and its implementation as a theory plugin inside the SMT solver Z3. We also provide a decision procedure for an expressive fragment of RL termed restricted-RL. We prove that deciding satisfiability of restricted-RL formulas is NP-complete. Both procedures are proven sound and complete. Preliminary performance results indicate that the semi-decision procedure has the potential toscale to large input formulas. 1

Abstract. We describe a system that integrates the SMT solver Z3 with the Scala programming language. The system supports the use of the SMT solver for checking satisfiability, unsatisfiability, as well as solution enumeration. The embedding of formula trees into Scala uses the host type system of Scala to prevent the construction of certain ill-typed constraints. The solution enumeration feature integrates into the iteration constructions of Scala and supports writing non-deterministic programs. Using Z3’s mechanism of theory extensions, our system also helps users construct custom constraint solvers where the interpretation of predicates and functions is given as Scala code. The resulting system preserves the productivity advantages of Scala while simplifying tasks such as combinatorial search. 1