[Haskell-cafe] is proof by testing possible?

[Eugene Kirpichov]

It is possible for functions with compact domain, not just finite.

2009/10/12 Joe Fredette <jfredett at gmail.com>:
> In general? No- If we had an implementation of the `sin` function, how can
> testing a finite number of points along it determine
> if that implementation is correct for every point?
>
> For specific functions (particularly those with finite domain), it is
> possible. If you know the 'correct' output of every input, then testing each
> input and ensuring correct output will work. Consider the definition of the
> `not` function on booleans. The domain only has two elements (True and
> False) and the range has only two outputs (True and False), so if I test
> every input, and insure it maps appropriately to the specified output, we're
> all set.
>
> Basically, if you can write your function as a big case statement that
> covers the whole domain, and that domain is finite, then the function can be
> tested to prove it's correctness.
>
> Now, I should think the Muad'Dib would know that, perhaps you should go back
> to studying with the Mentats. :)
>
> /Joe
>
>
>
> On Oct 12, 2009, at 1:42 PM, muad wrote:
>
>>
>> Is it possible to prove correctness of a functions by testing it? I think
>> the
>> tests would have to be constructed by inspecting the shape of the function
>> definition.
>>
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>>
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-- 
Eugene Kirpichov
Web IR developer, market.yandex.ru