An axiomatic basis for computer programming

In this paper an attempt is made to explore the logical foundations of computer programming by use of techniques which were first applied in the study of geometry and have later been extended to other branches of mathematics. This involves the elucidation of sets of axioms and rules of inference whi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCommunications of the ACM Vol. 26; no. 1; pp. 53 - 56
Main Author Hoare, C. A. R.
Format Magazine Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New York, NY Association for Computing Machinery 01.01.1983
Subjects
Applied sciences
Computer science; control theory; systems
Exact sciences and technology
Software
Software engineering
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ISSN0001-0782
1557-7317
DOI10.1145/357980.358001

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Summary:In this paper an attempt is made to explore the logical foundations of computer programming by use of techniques which were first applied in the study of geometry and have later been extended to other branches of mathematics. This involves the elucidation of sets of axioms and rules of inference which can be used in proofs of the properties of computer programs. Examples are given of such axioms and rules, and a formal proof of a simple theorem is displayed. Finally, it is argued that important advantages, both theoretical and practical, may follow from a pursuance of these topics.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
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ISSN:0001-0782
1557-7317
DOI:10.1145/357980.358001