The Little Prover [Paperback]

An introduction to writing proofs about computer programs, written in an accessible question-and-answer style, complete with step-by-step examples and a simple proof assistant.

The Little Prover introduces inductive proofs as a way to determine facts about computer programs. It is written in an approachable, engaging style of question-and-answer, with the characteristic humor of The Little Schemer (fourth edition, MIT Press). Sometimes the best way to learn something is to sit down and do it; the book takes readers through step-by-step examples showing how to write inductive proofs. The Little Prover assumes only knowledge of recursive programs and lists (as presented in the first three chapters of The Little Schemer) and uses only a few terms beyond what novice programmers already know. The book comes with a simple proof assistant to help readers work through the book and complete solutions to every example.

Computational theorem proving is so useful, effective, and important that its advocates present it in economic terms: about preventing costly errors in software and protocols. What gets lost is just how much fun it can be. Friedman and Eastlund, two jolly characters, eschew talk of bugs and bombs, and strip it to its essence as only a Little book can. Want proof? Look inside!

What can you learn about a program without actually running it? What can you know by reading the code? In the grand tradition of The Little LISPer and The Little Schemer, Dan Friedman and Carl Eastlund elegantly present small programs that contain big ideas, but now also show how to prove claims about their behavior. The question-and-answer format makes it surprisingly easy to learn and master inductive proof techniquesit's like eating peanuts! Don't l³’