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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Eike Best
We propose a formal syntax and formal relational semantics for concurrent programs. Our notation is an extension of guarded commands with the parallel operator and the atomic action feature. Our semantics defines the meaning of a program by means of a relation between input states and output states, and is based on a precise notion of an execution sequence. We discuss relationships to other work, in particular to sequential non-deterministic (wp) semantics and to the Owicki-Gries proof method. Finally we show how our semantic model can be applied in the proofs of some substantial example programs, both as an alternative to, and in combination with, assertional proofs.
Author(s): Best E
Publication type: Report
Publication status: Published
Series Title: Computing Laboratory Technical Report Series
Year: 1982
Pages: 22
Print publication date: 01/07/1982
Source Publication Date: July 1982
Report Number: 180
Institution: Computing Laboratory, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Place Published: Newcastle upon Tyne
URL: http://www.cs.ncl.ac.uk/publications/trs/papers/180.pdf