Search-carrying code

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a model-checking-based certification technique called search-carrying code (SCC). SCC is an adaptation of the principles of proof-carrying code, in which program certification is reduced to checking a provided safety proof. In SCC, program certification is an efficient re-examination of a program's state space. A code producer, who offers a program for use, provides a search script that encodes a search of the program's state space. A code consumer, who wants to certify that the program fits her needs, uses the search script to direct how a model checker searches the program's state space.