Logic Technology for Computer Science Education [LOGTECHEDU]

Project Lead

Project Duration

01/03/2018 - 29/02/2020

Project URL

Go to Website

Publications

2021

[Reichl]

Semantic Evaluation versus SMT Solving in the RISCAL Model Checker

Wolfgang Schreiner, Franz-Xaver Reichl

Technical report no. 21-11 in RISC Report Series, Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria. ISSN 2791-4267 (online). June 2021. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 International. [doi] [pdf]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC6328,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner and Franz-Xaver Reichl},
title = {{Semantic Evaluation versus SMT Solving in the RISCAL Model Checker}},
language = {english},
abstract = {In this paper, we compare two alternative mechanisms for deciding the validity of first-order formulas over finite domains supported by the mathematical model checker RISCAL: first, the original built-in approach of “semantic evaluation” (based on an implementation of the denotational semantics of the RISCAL language) and, second, the later implemented approach of SMT solving (based on satisfiability preserving translations of RISCAL formulas to formulas in the SMT-LIB logic QF_UFBV, respectively to quantified SMT-LIB bitvector formulas). After a short presentation of the two approaches and a discussion oftheir fundamental pros and cons, we quantitatively evaluate them, both by a set of artificial benchmarks and by a set of benchmarks taken from real-life applications of RISCAL; for this, we apply the state-of-the-art SMT solvers Boolector, CVC4, Yices, and Z3. Our benchmarks demonstrate that (while SMT solving generally vastly outperforms semantic evaluation), the various SMT solvers exhibit great performance differences. More important, our investigations also identify some classes of formulas where semantic evaluation is able to compete with (or even outperform) satisfiability solving, outlining some room forimprovements in the translation of RISCAL formulas to SMT-LIB formulas as well as in the current SMT technology.},
number = {21-11},
year = {2021},
month = {June},
keywords = {model checking, satisfiability solving, formal specification, formal verficiation},
sponsor = {JKU Linz Institute of Technology (LIT) Project LOGTECHEDU, Aktion Österreich- Slowakei Project 2019-10-15-003, Austrian Science Fund (FWF) grant W1255.},
length = {30},
license = {CC BY 4.0 International},
type = {RISC Report Series},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz},
address = {Altenberger Straße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria},
issn = {2791-4267 (online)}
}
[Reichl]

First-Order Logic in Finite Domains: Where Semantic Evaluation Competes with SMT Solving

Wolfgang Schreiner, Franz-Xaver Reichl

In: Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Symbolic Computation in Software Science (SCSS 2021), Hagenberg, Austria, September 8-10, 2021, Temur Kutsia (ed.), Electronic Proceedings in Theoretical Computer Science 342, pp. 99-113. September 2021. ISSN 2075-2180. [doi]
[bib]
@inproceedings{RISC6361,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner and Franz-Xaver Reichl},
title = {{First-Order Logic in Finite Domains: Where Semantic Evaluation Competes with SMT Solving}},
booktitle = {{Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Symbolic Computation in Software Science (SCSS 2021), Hagenberg, Austria, September 8-10, 2021}},
language = {english},
abstract = {In this paper, we compare two alternative mechanisms for deciding the validity of first-order formulas over finite domains supported by the mathematical model checker RISCAL: first, the original approach of semantic evaluation (based on an implementation of the denotational semantics of the RISCAL language) and, second, the later approach of SMT solving (based on satisfiability preserving translations of RISCAL formulas to SMT-LIB formulas as inputs for SMT solvers). After a short presentation of the two approaches and a discussion of their fundamental pros and cons, we quantitatively evaluate them, both by a set of artificial benchmarks and by a set of benchmarks taken from real-life applications of RISCAL; for this, we apply the state-of-the-art SMT solvers Boolector, CVC4, Yices, and Z3. Our benchmarks demonstrate that (while SMT solving generally vastly outperforms semantic evaluation), the various SMT solvers exhibit great performance differences. More important, we identify classes of formulas where semantic evaluation is able to compete with (or even outperform) satisfiability solving, outlining some room for improvements in the translation of RISCAL formulas to SMT-LIB formulas as well as in the current SMT technology.},
series = {Electronic Proceedings in Theoretical Computer Science},
volume = {342},
pages = {99--113},
isbn_issn = {ISSN 2075-2180},
year = {2021},
month = {September},
editor = {Temur Kutsia},
refereed = {yes},
keywords = {model checking, SMT solving, first-order logic, automated reasoning, formal methods},
sponsor = {e JKU Linz LIT Project LOGTECHEDU, Aktion Österreich-Slowakei Project 2019-10-15-003, Austrian Science Fund (FWF) grant W1255},
length = {15},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4204/EPTCS.342.9}
}
[Schreiner]

Thinking Programs

Wolfgang Schreiner

Texts & Monographs in Symbolic Computation 1st edition, 2021. Springer, Cham, Switzerland, Hardcover ISBN 978-3-030-80506-7, Softcover ISBN 978-3-030-80509-8, eBook ISBN 978-3-030-80507-4. [doi]
[bib]
@book{RISC6371,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner},
title = {{Thinking Programs}},
language = {english},
series = {Texts & Monographs in Symbolic Computation},
publisher = {Springer},
address = {Cham, Switzerland},
isbn_issn = {Hardcover ISBN 978-3-030-80506-7, Softcover ISBN 978-3-030-80509-8, eBook ISBN 978-3-030-80507-4},
year = {2021},
edition = {1st},
translation = {0},
length = {636},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80507-4}
}

2020

[Cerna]

Aiding an Introduction to Formal Reasoning Within a First-Year Logic Course for CS Majors Using a Mobile Self-Study App

David M. Cerna, Martina Seidl, Wolfgang Schreiner, Wolfgang Windsteiger, Armin Biere

In: ITICSE 2020, ACM (ed.), Proceedings of ITICSE, pp. 61-67. 2020. 9781450368742. [doi]
[bib]
@inproceedings{RISC6096,
author = {David M. Cerna and Martina Seidl and Wolfgang Schreiner and Wolfgang Windsteiger and Armin Biere},
title = {{Aiding an Introduction to Formal Reasoning Within a First-Year Logic Course for CS Majors Using a Mobile Self-Study App}},
booktitle = {{ITICSE 2020}},
language = {english},
abstract = {In this paper, we share our experiences concerning the introduc-tion of the Android-based self-study app AXolotl within the first-semester logic course offered at our university. This course is manda-tory for students majoring in Computer Science and Artificial In-telligence. AXolotl was used as part of an optional lab assignmentbridging clausal reasoning and SAT solving with classical reason-ing, proof construction, and first-order logic. The app provides anintuitive interface for proof construction in various logical calculiand aids the students through rule application. The goal of thelab assignment was to help students make a smoother transitionfrom clausal and decompositional reasoning used earlier in thecourse to inferential and contextual reasoning required for proofconstruction and first-order logic. We observed that the lab had apositive influence on students’ understanding and end the paperwith a discussion of these results.},
pages = {61--67},
isbn_issn = {9781450368742},
year = {2020},
editor = {ACM},
refereed = {yes},
length = {7},
conferencename = {ITICSE},
url = {https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3341525.3387409}
}
[Cerna]

Computational Logic in the First Semester of Computer Science: An Experience Report

David M. Cerna, Martina Seidl, Wolfgang Schreiner, Wolfgang Windsteiger, Armin Biere

In: Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU, Springer (ed.), Proceedings of CSEDU, pp. 374-381. 2020. 978-989-758-417-6. [doi]
[bib]
@inproceedings{RISC6097,
author = {David M. Cerna and Martina Seidl and Wolfgang Schreiner and Wolfgang Windsteiger and Armin Biere},
title = {{Computational Logic in the First Semester of Computer Science: An Experience Report}},
booktitle = {{Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU}},
language = {english},
abstract = {Nowadays, logic plays an ever-increasing role in modern computer science, in theory as well as in practice.Logic forms the foundation of the symbolic branch of artificial intelligence and from an industrial perspective,logic-based verification technologies are crucial for major hardware and software companies to ensure thecorrectness of complex computing systems. The concepts of computational logic that are needed for such purposes are often avoided in early stages of computer science curricula. Instead, classical logic education mainlyfocuses on mathematical aspects of logic depriving students to see the practical relevance of this subject. Inthis paper we present our experiences with a novel design of a first-semester bachelor logic course attendedby about 200 students. Our aim is to interlink both foundations and applications of logic within computerscience. We report on our experiences and the feedback we got from the students through an extensive surveywe performed at the end of the semester.},
pages = {374--381},
isbn_issn = {978-989-758-417-6},
year = {2020},
editor = {Springer},
refereed = {yes},
length = {8},
conferencename = {CSEDU},
url = {https://www.scitepress.org/Link.aspx?doi=10.5220/0009464403740381}
}
[Cerna]

A Mobile Application for Self-Guided Study of Formal Reasoning

David M. Cerna and Rafael P. D. Kiesel and Alexandra Dzhiganskaya

In: Proceedings 8th International Workshop on Theorem Proving Components for Educational Software, ThEdu@CADE 2019, Natal, Brazil, 25th August 2019, Pedro Quaresma and Walther Neuper and Jo{ {a}}o Marcos (ed.), EPTCS 313, pp. 35-53. 2020. 2075-2180. [doi]
[bib]
@inproceedings{RISC6236,
author = {David M. Cerna and Rafael P. D. Kiesel and Alexandra Dzhiganskaya},
title = {{A Mobile Application for Self-Guided Study of Formal Reasoning}},
booktitle = {{Proceedings 8th International Workshop on Theorem Proving Components for Educational Software, ThEdu@CADE 2019, Natal, Brazil, 25th August 2019}},
language = {english},
abstract = {In this work, we introduce AXolotl, a self-study aid designed to guide students through the basics of formal reasoning and term manipulation. Unlike most of the existing study aids for formal reasoning, AXolotl is an Android-based application with a simple touch-based interface. Part of the design goal was to minimize the possibility of user errors which distract from the learning process. Such as typos or inconsistent application of the provided rules. The system includes a zoomable proof viewer which displays the progress made so far and allows for storage of the completed proofs as a JPEG or LaTeX file. The software is available on the google play store and comes with a small library of problems. Additional problems may be opened in AXolotl using a simple input language. Currently, AXolotl supports problems that can be solved using rules which transform a single expression into a set of expressions. This covers educational scenarios found in our first-semester introduction to logic course and helps bridge the gap between propositional and first-order reasoning. Future developments will include rewrite rules which take a set of expressions and return a set of expressions, as well as a quantified first-order extension.},
series = {EPTCS},
volume = {313},
pages = {35--53},
isbn_issn = {2075-2180},
year = {2020},
editor = {Pedro Quaresma and Walther Neuper and Jo{~{a}}o Marcos},
refereed = {yes},
length = {19},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4204/EPTCS.313.3}
}
[Reichl]

The Integration of SMT Solvers into the RISCAL Model Checker

Franz-Xaver Reichl

Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria. Master Thesis. April 2020. [pdf]
[bib]
@misc{RISC6103,
author = {Franz-Xaver Reichl},
title = {{The Integration of SMT Solvers into the RISCAL Model Checker}},
language = {english},
abstract = {In this thesis we present an alternative approach to check specifications from asubstantial subset of the RISC Algorithm Language (RISCAL). The main goal forthis new approach is to speed up checks done in RISCAL. For this purpose wedeveloped a translation from the RISCAL language to the SMT-LIB language (usingthe QF_UFBV logic). The realisation of this translation in particular required to solvethe problems of eliminating RISCAL’s quantifiers and of encoding RISCAL’s typesand operations. We formally described core components of this translation, provedsome aspects of their correctness, and implemented it in the programming languageJava. We tested the implementation together with the SMT solvers Boolector, CVC4,Yices and Z3, on several real world RISCAL specifications. Additionally, we evaluatedthe performance of our approach by systematic benchmarks and compared it withthat of the original RISCAL checking mechanism. Finally, we analysed the testsin order to determine patterns in specifications that could possibly have a negativeinfluence on the performance of the presented method. The tests showed that amongthe four used SMT solvers, the solver Yices delivered, for almost all, tests the bestresults. Additionally, the tests indicated that the translation is indeed a viablealternative to RISCAL’s current checking method, especially when used togetherwith Yices. So the translation used with Yices was substantially faster than RISCALin approximately 75% of the test cases. Nevertheless, the tests also illustrated thatRISCAL could still check certain test cases substantially faster. Thus, the translationcannot fully replace RISCAL’s current checking methods.},
year = {2020},
month = {April},
translation = {0},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria},
keywords = {formal methods, automated reasoning, model checking, program verification},
sponsor = {Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Institute of Technology(LIT) project LOGTECHEDU.},
length = {151}
}
[Schreiner]

Mathematical Model Checking Based on Semantics and SMT

Wolfgang Schreiner, Franz-Xaver Reichl

Transactions on Internet Research 16(2), pp. 4-13. July 2020. IPSI, ISSN 1820-4503. [url]
[bib]
@article{RISC6117,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner and Franz-Xaver Reichl},
title = {{Mathematical Model Checking Based on Semantics and SMT}},
language = {english},
abstract = {We report on the usage and implementation of RISCAL, a model checker formathematical theories and algorithms based on a variant of first-order logicwith finite models; this allows to automatically decide the validity of allformulas and to verify the correctness of all algorithms specified by suchformulas. We describe the semantics-based implementation of the checker aswell as a recently developed alternative based on SMT solving, andexperimentally compare their performance. Furthermore, we report on ourexperience with RISCAL for enhancing education in computer science andmathematics, in particular in academic courses on logic, formal methods, andformal modeling. By the use of this software, students are encouraged toactively engage with the course material by solving concrete problems wherethe correctness of a solution is automatically checked; if a solution is notcorrect or the student gets stuck, the software provides additional insightand hints that aid the student towards the desired result.},
journal = {Transactions on Internet Research},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {4--13},
publisher = {IPSI},
isbn_issn = {ISSN 1820-4503},
year = {2020},
month = {July},
refereed = {yes},
keywords = {model checking, logic, semantics, formal verification, reasoning about programs, computer science education},
sponsor = {Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Institute of Technology(LIT) project LOGTECHEDU and OEAD WTZ project SK 14/2018 SemTech},
length = {10},
url = {http://ipsitransactions.org/journals/papers/tir/2020jul/p2.pdf}
}

2019

[Cerna]

Evaluation of the VL Logic (342.208-9) 2018W End of Semester Questionnaire

David M. Cerna

Submitted to the RISC Report Series. Feburary 2019. [xlsx] [pdf]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC5885,
author = {David M. Cerna},
title = {{Evaluation of the VL Logic (342.208-9) 2018W End of Semester Questionnaire}},
language = {english},
abstract = {In this technical report we cover the choice of layout and intentions behind our end of the semester questionnaire as well as our interpretation of student answers, resulting statistical analysis, and inferences. Our questionnaire is to some extent free-form in that we provide instructions concerning the desired content of the answers but leave the precise formulation of the answer to the student. Our goal, through this approach, was to gain an understanding of how the students viewed there own progress and interest in the course without explicitly guiding them. Towards this end, we chose to have the students draw curves supplemented by short descriptions of important features. We end with a discussion of the benefits and downsides of such a questionnaire as well as what the results entail concerning future iterations of the course. },
year = {2019},
month = {Feburary},
length = {17},
type = {RISC Report Series},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz},
address = {Altenberger Straße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria},
issn = {2791-4267 (online)}
}
[Cerna]

The Castle Game

David M. Cerna

Submitted to the RISC Report Series. 2019. [pdf]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC5886,
author = {David M. Cerna},
title = {{The Castle Game}},
language = {english},
abstract = {A description of a game for teaching certain aspects of first-order logic based on the Drink's Paradox. },
year = {2019},
length = {3},
type = {RISC Report Series},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz},
address = {Altenberger Straße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria},
issn = {2791-4267 (online)}
}
[Cerna]

Manual for AXolotl

David M. Cerna

Submitted to the RISC Report Series. 2019. [zip] [pdf] [jar]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC5887,
author = {David M. Cerna},
title = {{Manual for AXolotl}},
language = {english},
abstract = {In this document we outline how to play our preliminary version of \textbf{AX}olotl. We present a sequence of graphics illustrating the step by step process of playing the game. },
year = {2019},
length = {9},
type = {RISC Report Series},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz},
address = {Altenberger Straße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria},
issn = {2791-4267 (online)}
}
[Cerna]

AXolotl: A Self-study Tool for First-order Logic

David Cerna

Submitted to the RISC Report Series. May 2019. [pdf]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC5936,
author = {David Cerna},
title = {{AXolotl: A Self-study Tool for First-order Logic}},
language = {english},
year = {2019},
month = {May},
length = {4},
type = {RISC Report Series},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz},
address = {Altenberger Straße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria},
issn = {2791-4267 (online)}
}
[Cerna]

A Mobile Application for Self-Guided Study of Formal Reasoning

David M. Cerna and Rafael Kiesel and Alexandra Dzhiganskaya

Submitted to the RISC Report Series. October 2019. [pdf]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC5991,
author = {David M. Cerna and Rafael Kiesel and Alexandra Dzhiganskaya},
title = {{A Mobile Application for Self-Guided Study of Formal Reasoning}},
language = {english},
abstract = {In this work we introduce AXolotl, a self-study aid designed to guide students through the basics offormal reasoning and term manipulation. Unlike most of the existing study aids for formal reasoning,AXolotl is an Android-based application with a simple touch-based interface. Part of the design goalwas to minimize the possibility of user errors which distract from the learning process. Such as typosor inconsistent application of the provided rules. The system includes a zoomable proof viewer whichdisplays the progress made so far and allows for storage of the completed proofs as a JPEG or L A TEXfile. The software is available on the google play store and comes with a small library of problems.Additional problems may be opened in AXolotl using a simple input language. Currently, AXolotlsupports problems which can be solved using rules which transform a single expression into a set ofexpressions. This covers educational scenarios found in our first semester introduction to logic courseand helps bridge the gap between propositional and first-order reasoning. Future developments willinclude rewrite rules which take a set of expressions and return a set of expressions, as well as aquantified first-order extension.},
year = {2019},
month = {October},
length = {18},
type = {RISC Report Series},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University Linz},
address = {Altenberger Straße 69, 4040 Linz, Austria},
issn = {2791-4267 (online)}
}
[Schreiner]

Theorem and Algorithm Checking for Courses on Logic and Formal Methods

Wolfgang Schreiner

In: Post-Proceedings ThEdu'18, Pedro Quaresma and Walther Neuper (ed.), Proceedings of 7th International Workshop on Theorem proving components for Educational software, Oxford, United Kingdom, 18 July 2018, Electronic Proceedings in Theoretical Computer Science (EPTCS) 290, pp. 56-75. April 1 2019. Open Publishing Association, ISSN 2075-2180. [doi] [pdf]
[bib]
@inproceedings{RISC5895,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner},
title = {{Theorem and Algorithm Checking for Courses on Logic and Formal Methods}},
booktitle = {{Post-Proceedings ThEdu'18}},
language = {english},
abstract = {The RISC Algorithm Language (RISCAL) is a language for the formal modeling of theories and algorithms. A RISCAL specification describes an infinite class of models each of which has finite size; this allows to fully automatically check in such a model the validity of all theorems and the correctness of all algorithms. RISCAL thus enables us to quickly verify/falsify the specific truth of propositions in sample instances of a model class before attempting to prove their general truth in the whole class: the first can be achieved in a fully automatic way while the second typically requires our assistance. RISCAL has been mainly developed for educational purposes. To this end this paper reports on some new enhancements of the tool: the automatic generation of checkable verification conditions from algorithms, the visualization of the execution of procedures and the evaluation of formulas illustrating the computation of their results, and the generation of Web-based student exercises and assignments from RISCAL specifications. Furthermore, we report on our first experience with RISCAL in the teaching of courses on logic and formal methods and on further plans to use this tool to enhance formal education.},
series = {Electronic Proceedings in Theoretical Computer Science (EPTCS)},
volume = {290},
pages = {56--75},
publisher = {Open Publishing Association},
isbn_issn = {ISSN 2075-2180},
year = {2019},
month = {April 1},
editor = {Pedro Quaresma and Walther Neuper},
refereed = {yes},
sponsor = {Linz Institute of Technology (LIT), Project LOGTECHEDU “Logic Technology for Computer Science Education” and OEAD WTZ project SK 14/2018 SemTech},
length = {20},
conferencename = {7th International Workshop on Theorem proving components for Educational software, Oxford, United Kingdom, 18 July 2018},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.4204/EPTCS.290.5}
}
[Schreiner]

A Categorical Semantics of Relational First-Order Logic

Wolfgang Schreiner, Valerie Novitzká, William Steingartner

Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria. Technical report, March 2019. [pdf]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC5900,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner and Valerie Novitzká and William Steingartner},
title = {{A Categorical Semantics of Relational First-Order Logic}},
language = {english},
abstract = {We present a categorical formalization of a variant of first-order logic. Unlike other textson this topic, the goal of this paper is to give a very transparent and self-contained accountwithout requiring more background than basic logic and set theory. Our focus is to showhow the semantics of first order formulas can be derived from their usual deduction rules.For understanding the core ideas, it is not necessary to investigate the internal term structureof atomic formulas, thus we abstract atomic formulas to (syntactically opaque) relations;in this sense our variant of first-order logic is “relational”. While the derived semanticsis based on categorical principles, it is nevertheless “constructive” in that it describesexplicit computations of the truth values of formulas. We demonstrate this by modeling thecategorical semantics in the RISCAL (RISC Algorithm Language) system which allows usto validate the core propositions by automatically checking them in finite models.},
year = {2019},
month = {March},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria},
keywords = {first-order logic, formal semantics, category theory, RISC Algorithm Language (RISCAL)},
sponsor = {OEAD WTZ project SK 14/2018 “SemTech — Semantic Technologies for Computer Science Education” and JKU LIT project LOGTECHEDU “Logic Technology for Computer Science Education”},
length = {34}
}
[Schreiner]

Logic and Semantic Technologies for Computer Science Education

Wolfgang Schreiner

In: Informatics’2019, 2019 IEEE 15th International Scientific Conference on Informatics, Poprad, Slovakia, November 20–22, William Steingartner, Štefan Korecko, Anikó Szakál (ed.), pp. 415-420. 2019. IEEE, ISBN 978-1-7281-3178-8. invited paper. [doi]
[bib]
@inproceedings{RISC5957,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner},
title = {{Logic and Semantic Technologies for Computer Science Education}},
booktitle = {{Informatics’2019, 2019 IEEE 15th International Scientific Conference on Informatics, Poprad, Slovakia, November 20–22}},
language = {english},
abstract = {We report on some projects to develop software rooted in formal logic andsemantics in order to enhance education in computer science and mathematics.The goal is to let students actively engage with the course material bysolving concrete problems where the correctness of a solution isautomatically checked; furthermore, if a solution is not correct or thestudent gets stuck, the software shall provide additional insight and hintsthat aid the student towards the desired result. In particular, we describeour experience with the RISCAL software, a model checker for mathematicaltheories and algorithms, in university courses on logic, formal methods, andformal modeling.},
pages = {415--420},
publisher = {IEEE},
isbn_issn = {ISBN 978-1-7281-3178-8},
year = {2019},
note = {invited paper},
editor = {William Steingartner and Štefan Korecko and Anikó Szakál},
refereed = {no},
keywords = {logic, semantics, formal verification, model checking, reasoning about programs, computer science education},
length = {6},
url = { https://doi.org/10.1109/Informatics47936.2019.9119285}
}

2018

[Schreiner]

Visualizing Execution Traces in RISCAL

Wolfgang Schreiner, William Steingartner

Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria. Technical report, March 2018. [pdf]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC5610,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner and William Steingartner},
title = {{Visualizing Execution Traces in RISCAL}},
language = {english},
abstract = {We report on initial results concerning the visualization of execution traces ofalgorithms that are formally specified and modeled in the RISC AlgorithmLanguage (RISCAL); these algorithms are executed and visualized in theassociated software system which also validates their correctness by checkingthe satisfaction of the formal contracts. This work has been stimulated bycorresponding visualization of Jane, a language with an associated toolkit that has been developed to demonstrate the categorical semantics ofprogramming languages. By the new visualization extension of RISCAL, thesuitability of the software for the purpose of computer science education shallbe improved.},
year = {2018},
month = {March},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria},
keywords = {formal methods, verification, model checking},
sponsor = {Austrian OEAD WTZ and Slovak SRDA contract SK 14/2018 "SemTech", JKU Linz Institute of Technology (LIT) project "LOGTECHEDU"},
length = {7}
}
[Schreiner]

Validating Mathematical Theories and Algorithms with RISCAL

Wolfgang Schreiner

In: Intelligent Computer Mathematics, F. Rabe, W. Farmer, G. Passmore, A. Youssef (ed.), Proceedings of CICM 2018, 11th Conference on Intelligent Computer Mathematics, Hagenberg, Austria, August 13-17, 2018, Lecture Notes in Computer Science/Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence 11006, pp. 248-254. 2018. Springer, Berlin, ISBN 978-3-319-96811-7. The final authenticated version is available online at Springer. [doi] [pdf]
[bib]
@inproceedings{RISC5704,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner},
title = {{Validating Mathematical Theories and Algorithms with RISCAL}},
booktitle = {{Intelligent Computer Mathematics}},
language = {english},
abstract = {RISCAL is a language for describing mathematical algo-rithms and formally specifying their behavior with respect to user-definedtheories in first-order logic. This language is based on a type system thatconstrains the size of all types by formal parameters; thus a RISCALspecification denotes an infinite class of models of which every instancehas finite size. This allows the RISCAL software to fully automaticallycheck in small instances the validity of theorems and the correctness ofalgorithms. Our goal is to quickly detect errors respectively inadequa-cies in the formalization by falsification in small model instances beforeattempting actual correctness proofs for the whole model class.},
series = {Lecture Notes in Computer Science/Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence},
volume = {11006},
pages = {248--254},
publisher = {Springer},
address = {Berlin},
isbn_issn = {ISBN 978-3-319-96811-7},
year = {2018},
note = {The final authenticated version is available online at Springer},
editor = {F. Rabe and W. Farmer and G. Passmore and A. Youssef},
refereed = {yes},
keywords = {Formal specification, Falsification, Model checking},
sponsor = {Supported by the Johannes Kepler University, Linz Institute of Technology (LIT), project LOGTECHEDU, and by the OEAD WTZ project SK 14/2018 SemTech.},
length = {7},
conferencename = {CICM 2018, 11th Conference on Intelligent Computer Mathematics, Hagenberg, Austria, August 13-17, 2018},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96812-4_21}
}
[Schreiner]

Logic as a Path to Enlightenment (Work in Progress Report)

Wolfgang Schreiner

In: Computer Mathematics in Education - Enlightenment or Incantation?, Walther Neuper (ed.), Proceedings of CME-EI18, Workshop at CICM 2018, 11th Conference on Intelligent Computer Mathematics, Hagenberg, Austria, August 17, 2018., pp. 1-5. August 2018. CEUR Workshop Proceedings, Volume 2307, http://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2307/, ISSN 1613-0073. [url] [pdf]
[bib]
@inproceedings{RISC5711,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner},
title = {{Logic as a Path to Enlightenment (Work in Progress Report)}},
booktitle = {{Computer Mathematics in Education - Enlightenment or Incantation?}},
language = {english},
pages = {1--5},
publisher = {CEUR Workshop Proceedings, Volume 2307, http://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2307/},
isbn_issn = {ISSN 1613-0073},
year = {2018},
month = {August},
editor = {Walther Neuper},
refereed = {yes},
keywords = {RISC Algorithm Language, RISCAL, Model Checking, Verification},
sponsor = {Supported by the Johannes Kepler University, Linz Institute of Technology (LIT), project LOGTECHEDU, and by the OEAD WTZ project SK 14/2018 SemTech.},
length = {3},
conferencename = {CME-EI18, Workshop at CICM 2018, 11th Conference on Intelligent Computer Mathematics, Hagenberg, Austria, August 17, 2018.},
url = {http://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2307/paper2.pdf}
}
[Schreiner]

WebEx: Web Exercises for RISCAL

Wolfgang Schreiner

Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria. Technical report, October 2018. [pdf]
[bib]
@techreport{RISC5793,
author = {Wolfgang Schreiner},
title = {{WebEx: Web Exercises for RISCAL}},
language = {english},
abstract = {We report on a software framework "WebEx" for developing web-basedstudent exercises whose correctness is checked with the help of the RISCAL (RISCAlgorithm Language) software. This framework allows to generate from anappropriately annotated RISCAL specification file an HTML file that serves asthe frontend to a remote execution service. Student input (RISCAL fragments) aretransmitted to this execution service which generates from the annotatedspecification file and the input a plain RISCAL specification on which RISCAL isinvoked (in a non-interactive mode); the success status of the execution and theproduced output are reported back to the web interface. For each successfulexercise the server produces a digitally signed certificate that is returned tothe user who may submit this certificate as a proof of successful completion ofthe exercise (which may be subsequently automatically checked). Furthermore eachannotated RISCAL specification may serve as a template that may be instantiatedwith other data to produce a set of exercise instances. The WebEx software ismostly independent of RISCAL; it may be also used to provide a web front end forother scientific software of a similar nature.},
year = {2018},
month = {October},
institution = {Research Institute for Symbolic Computation (RISC), Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria},
keywords = {formal methods, logic, computer-supported education},
sponsor = {Austrian OEAD WTZ program and the Slovak SRDA agency contract SK 14/2018 SemTech and Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz Institute of Technology (LIT), Project LOGTECHEDU},
length = {35}
}

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