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Formally verifying the correctness of an algorithm

Asked 2010-01-27T19:01:36.293
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First of all, is this only possible on algorithms which have no side effects?

Secondly, where could I learn about this process, any good books, articles, etc?

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I think that verifying the correctness of an algorithm would be validating its conformance with a specification. There is a branch of theoretical Computer Science called Formal Methods which may be what you are looking for if you need to get as close to proof as you can. From wikipedia,

Formal Methods are a particular kind of mathematically-based techniques for the specification, development and verification of software and hardware systems

You will be able to find many learning resources and tools from the multitude of links on the linked Wikipedia page and from the Formal Methods wiki.

answered 2010-01-27T19:07:46.373

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