A lightweight specification language for bounded program verification

Abstract

This thesis presents a new light-weight specification language called JForge Specification Language (JFSL) for object-oriented languages such as Java. The language is amenable to bounded verification analysis by a tool called JForge that interprets JFSL specifications, fully integrates with a mainstream development environment, and assists programmers in examining counter example traces and debugging specifications. JFSL attempts to address challenges of specification languages such as inheritance, frame conditions, dynamic dispatch, and method calls inside specifications in the context of bounded verification. A collection of verification tasks illustrates the expressiveness and conciseness of JForge specifications and demonstrates effectiveness of the bounded verification technique.