Identifying state space reduction techniques from behavioural design patterns

Abstract

Model checking has always been associated with a scalability problem when verifying systems with large state spaces. This problem can be addressed using techniques that reduce the state space during verification. This paper proposes guidelines to identify suitable reduction techniques from design patterns. The selection of suitable state space reduction techniques is demonstrated using a complex concurrent system as case study. Using this case study, we discuss the reasons and conditions for selecting a reduction technique when a design pattern is used. The proposed guidelines are evaluated by checking if the selected reduction techniques reduces the number of states; implying that these techniques are suitable. The result of this evaluation shows that suitable reduction techniques can be identified from design patterns.