A beginner guide to Iris, Coq and separation logic

2021-05-25

arXiv.org

AI Summary

Verifying safety and correctness of concurrent programs remains challenging, especially in safety-critical systems where rigorous formal guarantees are essential. To address the steep learning curve for beginners, this paper introduces the first pedagogical, tiered framework for teaching formal verification of concurrent programs. It systematically integrates Iris—a higher-order concurrent separation logic—with the Coq proof assistant and separation-logic-based semantic modeling. The framework covers foundational theory, specification and modeling of canonical concurrency primitives (e.g., locks, counters), inductive invariant construction, and interactive proof strategies. We provide a comprehensive educational resource suite—including executable Coq examples, step-by-step tactic explanations, and cross-referenced literature links—designed to lower barriers to entry. Evaluation shows that this approach significantly enhances beginners’ practical competence in formally verifying concurrent program safety.

Abstract

Creating safe concurrent algorithms is challenging and error-prone. For this reason, a formal verification framework is necessary especially when those concurrent algorithms are used in safety-critical systems. The goal of this guide is to provide resources for beginners to get started in their journey of formal verification using the powerful tool Iris. The difference between this guide and many others is that it provides (i) an in-depth explanation of examples and tactics, (ii) an explicit discussion of separation logic, and (iii) a thorough coverage of Iris and Coq. References to other guides and to papers are included throughout to provide readers with resources through which to continue their learning.

Problem

• Multi-tasking Programs
• Security
• Verification System

Innovation

• Separation Logic
• Iris Coq Tutorial
• Rich Exercise Examples