Program Analysis Notes

Master
----+++ Topics

The course comprises three large topics

   * Dataflow analysis
   * Control flow analysis
   * Abstract interpretation

In all cases, the goal is to compute in finite time useful information
from the source of the program. Examples include strictness analysis,
dead code analysis, variable sign analysis, live variables analysis.

Dataflow analysis focuses on an imperative language, control flow
analysis is done using a functional language. Abstract Interpretation
is more or less language independent, but will be treated as related
to the first two.

In addition the following topics will be addressed in a more supporting role and only insofar as needed for treating the 
three main subjects of the course.

   * Structural operational semantics
   * Domain theory

----+++ Material

   * _Principles Of Program Analysis_ by Nielson, Nielson and Hankin,
     Springer Verlag, parts of chapters 1-4.
   * Downloadable texts on e.g. semantics can be obtained as
     background material
   * Lab: 
      * implementation of Monotone Frameworks in either Java or Haskell
      * possibly: using the Berkely Analysis Engine to solve sets of constraints 

----+++ Form

   For now we plan to have each week:

   * four hours of lecture, which includes
     one or two hours of making exercises depending on need
   * two hours assistance with the practical assignment

----+++ Dependencies

   * Motivation
      * Pt.CourseDescription
   * Requires
      * Grammars And Parsing from the Bachelor course
      * [maybe] ImplementationOfProgrammingLanguages
      * something on semantics if available

----+++ Lecturer

   * Main.JurriaanHage

----+++ History

This course has evolved from 

   * Automatic Program Analysis (2001)

----+++ Discussion

   * Is Implementation of Programming Language required?
   * Should it be Automatic or not?
   * See whether using BANE is practical or not

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MasterCourses