[Haskell-cafe] is proof by testing possible?

[Eugene Kirpichov]

Also google "seemingly impossible functional programs".

2009/10/12 Eugene Kirpichov <ekirpichov at gmail.com>:
> 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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>>>> Sent from the Haskell - Haskell-Cafe mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>>>>
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>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Eugene Kirpichov
>> Web IR developer, market.yandex.ru
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Eugene Kirpichov
> Web IR developer, market.yandex.ru
>



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