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Proving Termination of Normalization Functions for Conditional Expressions

Lawrence C. Paulson
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Abstract

Boyer and Moore have discussed a recursive function that puts conditional expressions into normal form [1]. It is difficult to prove that this function terminates on all inputs. Three termination proofs are compared: (1) using a measure function, (2) in domain theory using LCF, (3) showing that its recursion relation, defined by the pattern of recursive calls, is well-founded. The last two proofs are essentially the same though conducted in markedly different logical frameworks. An obviously total variant of the normalize function is presented as the `computational meaning' of those two proofs. A related function makes nested recursive calls. The three termination proofs become more complex: termination and correctness must be proved simultaneously. The recursion relation approach seems flexible enough to handle subtle termination proofs where previously domain theory seemed essential.

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Lawrence C. Paulson. 2000-10-02. Proving Termination of Normalization Functions for Conditional Expressions. https://arxiv.org/abs/cs/9301103

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