A comparison of runtime assertion checking and theorem proving for concurrent and distributed systems

Abstract

We investigate the usage of a history-based specification approach for concurrent and distributed systems. In particular, we compare two approaches on checking that those systems behave according to their specification. Concretely, we apply runtime assertion checking and static deductive verification on two small case studies to detect specification violations, respectively to ensure that the system follows its specifications. We evaluate and compare both approaches with respect to their scope and ease of application. We give recommendations on which approach is suitable for which purpose as well as the implied costs and benefits of each approach.