Heterogeneous Dynamic Logic: Provability Modulo Program Theories

Formally specifying, let alone verifying, properties of systems involving multiple programming languages is inherently challenging. We introduce Heterogeneous Dynamic Logic (HDL), a framework for combining reasoning principles from distinct (dynamic) program logics in a modular and compositional way. HDL mirrors the architecture of satisfiability modulo theories (SMT): Individual dynamic logics, along with their calculi, are treated as dynamic theories that can be flexibly combined to reason about heterogeneous systems whose components are verified using different program logics. HDL provides two key operations: Lifting extends an individual dynamic theory with new program constructs (e.g., the havoc operation or regular programs) and automatically augments its calculus with sound reasoning principles for the new constructs; and Combination enables cross-language reasoning in a single modality via Heterogeneous Dynamic Theories, facilitating the reuse of existing proof infrastructure. We formalize dynamic theories, their lifting and combination in Isabelle, and prove the soundness of all proof rules. We also prove relative completeness theorems for lifting and combination: Under common assumptions, reasoning about lifted or combined theories is no harder than reasoning about the constituent dynamic theories and their common first-order structure (i.e., the "data theory"). We demonstrate HDL's utility by verifying an automotive case study in which a Java controller (formalized in Java dynamic logic) steers a plant model (formalized in differential dynamic logic).

Publication Details

Journal
ArXiv.org
Published
2025-07-11
Primary Topic
Formal Methods in Verification
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Heterogeneous Dynamic Logic: Provability Modulo Program Theories

ArXiv.org
Formal Methods in Verification
article

Heterogeneous Dynamic Logic: Provability Modulo Program Theories

article en

Abstract

Formally specifying, let alone verifying, properties of systems involving multiple programming languages is inherently challenging. We introduce Heterogeneous Dynamic Logic (HDL), a framework for combining reasoning principles from distinct (dynamic) program logics in a modular and compositional way. HDL mirrors the architecture of satisfiability modulo theories (SMT): Individual dynamic logics, along with their calculi, are treated as dynamic theories that can be flexibly combined to reason about heterogeneous systems whose components are verified using different program logics. HDL provides two key operations: Lifting extends an individual dynamic theory with new program constructs (e.g., the havoc operation or regular programs) and automatically augments its calculus with sound reasoning principles for the new constructs; and Combination enables cross-language reasoning in a single modality via Heterogeneous Dynamic Theories, facilitating the reuse of existing proof infrastructure. We formalize dynamic theories, their lifting and combination in Isabelle, and prove the soundness of all proof rules. We also prove relative completeness theorems for lifting and combination: Under common assumptions, reasoning about lifted or combined theories is no harder than reasoning about the constituent dynamic theories and their common first-order structure (i.e., the "data theory"). We demonstrate HDL's utility by verifying an automotive case study in which a Java controller (formalized in Java dynamic logic) steers a plant model (formalized in differential dynamic logic).

ArXiv.org
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 48%
Formal Methods in Verification
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Heterogeneous Dynamic Logic: Provability Modulo Program Theories · ArXiv.org (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS