Code-change impact analysis using counterfactuals: Theory and implementation
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2013
Abstract
This article shows a novel program analysis framework based on Lewis' theory of counterfactuals. Using this framework we are capable of performing change-impact static analysis on a program's source code. In other words, we are able to prove the properties induced by changes to a given program before applying these changes. Our contribution is two-fold; we show how to use Lewis' logic of counterfactuals to prove that proposed changes to a program preserve its correctness. We report the development of an automated tool based on resolution and theorem proving for performing code change-impact analysis. © 2013 World Scientific Publishing Company.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
International Journal of Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering
First Page
1459
Last Page
1486
Recommended Citation
Peralta, M., & Mukhopadhyay, S. (2013). Code-change impact analysis using counterfactuals: Theory and implementation. International Journal of Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering, 23 (10), 1459-1486. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218194013500460