This work provides a structured introduction to programme verification and the semantics of structured concurrent programmes. Sequential programmes in the form of deterministic and nondeterministic programmes, and concurrent programmes in the form of parallel and distributed programmes, are considered within the context of their partial and total correctness. The book is appropriate for either a one- or two-term introductory course on programme verification for senior undergraduate studies or for graduate students. It can also be used as an introduction to operational semantics. Outlines of ideas for one-term courses are described in the preface. Within the book, the authors systematically discuss five classes of programmes, concentrating on operational semantics, syntax-directed assertional proof systems, soundness proofs of the proof systems, programme transformations, correctness proofs of the programme transformations and correctness proofs of a substantial example. Each chapter is organized in a systematic manner and ends with a list of exercises. The material presented here draws on work which until now was only available in the form of advanced research publications. This monograph on programme logics and semantics, mathematical logic and normal language and the theory of computation is intended for academics teaching senior undergraduate and graduate-level courses.
"The Third Edition is an excellent new version of a valuable book. Enhanced with new material on recursion and object-oriented programs, this book now covers methods for verifying sequential, object-oriented, and concurrent programs using well-chosen sample programming languages that highlight fundamental issues and avoid incidental complications. With growing challenges today to produce correct software systems for the future, this book lets students wisely use a few months now to master concepts that will last them a lifetime." (John C. Mitchell, Stanford University)
"Verification of programs is the Holy Grail of Computer Science. This book makes its pursuit seem both pleasant and worthwhile. Its unique strength lies in the way the authors have deconstructed the apparently complex subject such that each piece carries exactly one idea. The beauty of the presentation extends from the overall structure of the book to the individual explanations, definitions and proofs." (Andreas Podelski, University of Freiburg)
"Program verification became an interesting research topic of computing science about forty years ago. Research literature on this topic has grown quickly in accordance with rapid development of various programming paradigms. Therefore it has been a challenge to university lecturers on program verification how to carefully select an easy but comprehensive approach, which can fit in with most programming paradigms and can be taught in a systematic way. The publication of this book is an answer to the challenge, and to my knowledge quite many university lecturers have been influenced by the earlier editions of this book if not chosen them as textbook. Given that the third edition includes verification of object-oriented programs – the most fashionable programming paradigm, and presents it in a way coherent with the approach adopted by the earlier ones, we can expect a further impact of the new edition on university teachings." (Zhou Chaochen, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing)
