McErlang: a model checker for a distributed functional programming language

We present a model checker for verifying distributed programs written in the Erlang programming language. Providing a model checker for Erlang is especially rewarding since the language is by now being seen as a very capable platform for developing industrial strength distributed applications with excellent failure tolerance characteristics. In contrast to most other Erlang verification attempts, we provide support for a very substantial part of the language. The model checker has full Erlang data type support, support for general process communication, node semantics (inter-process behave subtly different from intra-process communication), fault detection and fault tolerance through process linking, and can verify programs written using the OTP Erlang component library (used by most modern Erlang programs). As the model checking tool is itself implemented in Erlang we benefit from the advantages that a (dynamically typed) functional programming language offers: easy prototyping and e...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: ICFP
• Authors: Hans Svensson, Lars-Åke Fredlund
• Keywords: Erlang Programming Language, Erlang Verification, ICFP 2007, Modern Erlang Programs, Programming Languages