Distributed lyapunov functions in analysis of graph models of software

Abstract

In previous works, the authors introduced a framework for software analysis, which is based on optimization of Lyapunov invariants. These invariants prove critical software properties such as absence of overflow and termination in finite time. In this paper, graph models of software are introduced and the software analysis framework is further developed and extended on graph models. A distributed Lyapunov function is assigned to the software by assigning a Lyapunov function to every node on its graph model. The global decremental condition is then enforced by requiring that the Lyapunov functions on each node decrease as transitions take place along the arcs. The concept of graph reduction and optimality of graphs for Lyapunov analysis is briefly discussed.