Hoare type theory, polymorphism and separation

We consider the problem of reconciling a dependently typed functional language with imperative features such as mutable higher-order state, pointer aliasing, and non-termination. We propose Hoare Type Theory (HTT), which incorporates Hoare-style specifications into types, making it possible to statically track and enforce correct use of side effects. The main feature of HTT is the Hoare type {P}x:A{Q} specifying computations with precondition P and postcondition Q that return a result of type A. Hoare types can be combined with other types, and abstracted, leading to a smooth integration with higher-order functions and type polymorphism. We further show that in the presence of type polymorphism, it becomes possible to interpret the Hoare types in the "small footprint" manner, as advocated by Separation Logic, whereby specifications tightly describe the state required by the computation. We establish that HTT is sound and compositional, in the sense that separate verification...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: JFP
• Authors: Aleksandar Nanevski, J. Gregory Morrisett, Lars Birkedal
• Keywords: Hoare Type Theory, Hoare Types, JFP 2008, Type Polymorphism