Hi-Lite: the convergence of compiler technology and program verification

Abstract

Formal program verification tools check that a program correctly implements its specification. Existing specification languages for well-known programming languages (Ada, C, Java, C#) have been developed independently from the programming language to which they apply. As a result, specifications are expressed separately from the code, typically as stylized comments, and the verification tools often bear no direct relation to the production compiler. We argue that this approach is problematic, and that the compiler and the verification tools should be integrated seamlessly. Based on our current work on the Hi-Lite project to develop a formal verification tool for Ada2012, we show that in an integrated setting, the compiler becomes the centerpiece of the verification architecture, and supports both static proofs and run-time assertion checking. Such an environment does much to simplify software certification.