| |
Formal Semantics of Programming Languages (326.027, WS 2006/07)
Time: Friday, 10:15-11:45.
Room: HS 11.
Start: October 6, 2006.
While the syntax of a programming language is always formally specified, the equally important aspect of definining its meaning
is often left to natural language which is ambiguous and leaves
many questions open. In order to understand the inherent properties of a
language (e.g. for constructing a compiler), we should have a deeper
understanding.
This course presents some major methods for defining the meaning of programming languages (and thus programs) and discusses their relationship:
- Denotational Semantics
- A programming language is defined by a valuation function
that maps a program into a mathematical object which is considered as
its meaning.
- Operational Semantics
- A programming language is defined by reduction rules that
describe how the initial state of a program is transformed step by step
into the terminal state.
- Axiomatic Semantics
- A programming language is defined by correctness assertions
that describe how to draw conclusions about the input/output interface
of a program.
The participants are expected to elaborate small exercises which will be used for grading (there will be no final exam).
To take part in the course, you have to enrol in the KUSSS system. If you also login in Moodle and register as a course participant, you will receive per email all
messages posted in the News forum.
| |
| 5 | Axiomatic Semantics
| 
|
