A State Space Tool for Models Expressed In C++ (tool paper)

TL;DR

This paper presents ASSET, a C++-based state space exploration tool that enables fast model checking by compiling models into executable code, supporting detection of deadlocks, safety, and progress errors.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel C++-based approach for model checking that combines fast execution with flexible analysis capabilities.

Findings

Enables rapid state space exploration through compilation.

Supports detection of deadlocks and safety errors.

Partially detects must progress errors.

Abstract

This publication introduces A State Space Exploration Tool that is based on representing the model under verification as a piece of C++ code that obeys certain conventions. Its name is ASSET. Model checking takes place by compiling the model and the tool together, and executing the result. This approach facilitates very fast execution of the transitions of the model. On the other hand, the use of stubborn sets and symmetries requires that either the modeller or a preprocessor tool analyses the model at a syntactic level and expresses stubborn set obligation rules and the symmetry mapping as suitable C++ functions. The tool supports the detection of illegal deadlocks, safety errors, and may progress errors. It also partially supports the detection of must progress errors.