[Haskell-cafe] is proof by testing possible?

[Eugene Kirpichov]

For example, it is possible to prove correctness of a function
"negatedHead :: [Bool] -> Bool" by testing it on "True:undefined" and
"False:undefined".

2009/10/12 Eugene Kirpichov <ekirpichov at gmail.com>:
> 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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>
>
>
> --
> Eugene Kirpichov
> Web IR developer, market.yandex.ru
>



-- 
Eugene Kirpichov
Web IR developer, market.yandex.ru