Complex communicating computer systems—computers connected by data networks and in constant communication with their environments—do not always behave as expected. This book introduces behavioral modeling, a rigorous approach to behavioral specification and verification of concurrent and distributed systems. It is among the very few techniques capable of modeling systems interaction at a level of abstraction sufficient for the interaction to be understood and analyzed. Offering both a mathematically grounded theory and real-world applications, the book is suitable for classroom use by postgraduate students of Computer Science and as a reference for system architects.

The book covers the foundation of behavioral modeling using process algebra, transition systems, abstract data types, and modal logics. Exercises and examples augment the theoretical discussion. It introduces a modeling language, mCRL2, that enables concise descriptions of even the most intricate distributed algorithms and protocols. Using behavioral axioms and such proof methods as confluence, cones, and foci, readers will learn how to prove such algorithms equal to their specifications. Specifications in mCRL2 can be simulated, visualized, or verified against their requirements. An extensive mCRL2 toolset for mechanically verifying the requirements is freely available online; this toolset has been successfully used to design and analyze industrial software that ranges from healthcare applications to particle accelerators at CERN.

Appendixes offer material on equations and notation as well as exercise solutions.

“This book offers an excellent coverage of the foundations behind data-enriched process algebra and modal mu-calculus aimed at the rigorous modeling and verification of distributed systems. This clearly written textbook contains targeted examples and exercises and is highly recommended for readers who want to get acquainted with modern concurrency theory.”

—Joost-Pieter Katoen, RWTH Aachen University & University of Twente

“mCRL2 is one of the most expressive and analytically powerful process-algebra-based tool sets currently available. With the publication of the wonderfully written Modeling and Analysis of Communicating Systems, the tool set now has the comprehensive companion manuscript it deserves.”

—Scott A. Smolka, Professor of Computer Science, Stony Brook University

“Finally, the book that contains the full story of mCRL2, an extremely powerful specification formalism for concurrent, complex systems empowered by an extensive tool set. This book provides detailed and instructive information on the wide range of modeling and analysis possibilities of mCRL2 and is a must-read for anyone who cares about the correctness of computer systems.”

—Kim Guldstrand Larsen, Professor of Computer Science, Aalborg University;
coauthor of Reactive Systems: Modelling, Specification and Verification

Preface. Acknowledgments.

I. Modeling—1. Introduction. 2. Actions, Behavior, Equivalence, and Abstraction. 3. Data Types. 4. Sequential Processes. 5. Parallel Processes. 6. The Modal µ-calculus. 7. Modeling System Behavior. 8. Timed Process Behavior.

II. Analysis—9. Basic Manipulation of Processes. 10. Linear Process Equations and Linearization. 11. ConfIuence and t-prioritization. 12. Cones and Foci. 13. ê Verification of Distributed Systems.
14. Verification of Modal Formulas Using Parameterized Boolean Equation Systems.

III. Semantics —15. Semantics.

IV. Appendixes—A. Brief Tool Primer. B. Equational Definition of Built-In Data Types. C. Plain-Text Notation. D. Syntax of the Formalisms. E. Axioms for Processes. F. Answers to Exercises.

Bibliography.

Complex communicating computer systems—computers connected by data networks and in constant communication with their environments—do not always behave as expected. This book introduces behavioral modeling, a rigorous approach to behavioral specification and verification of concurrent and distributed systems. It is among the very few techniques capable of modeling systems interaction at a level of abstraction sufficient for the interaction to be understood and analyzed. Offering both a mathematically grounded theory and real-world applications, the book is suitable for classroom use by postgraduate students of Computer Science and as a reference for system architects.

The book covers the foundation of behavioral modeling using process algebra, transition systems, abstract data types, and modal logics. Exercises and examples augment the theoretical discussion. It introduces a modeling language, mCRL2, that enables concise descriptions of even the most intricate distributed algorithms and protocols. Using behavioral axioms and such proof methods as confluence, cones, and foci, readers will learn how to prove such algorithms equal to their specifications. Specifications in mCRL2 can be simulated, visualized, or verified against their requirements. An extensive mCRL2 toolset for mechanically verifying the requirements is freely available online; this toolset has been successfully used to design and analyze industrial software that ranges from healthcare applications to particle accelerators at CERN.

Appendixes offer material on equations and notation as well as exercise solutions.

“This book offers an excellent coverage of the foundations behind data-enriched process algebra and modal mu-calculus aimed at the rigorous modeling and verification of distributed systems. This clearly written textbook contains targeted examples and exercises and is highly recommended for readers who want to get acquainted with modern concurrency theory.”

—Joost-Pieter Katoen, RWTH Aachen University & University of Twente

“mCRL2 is one of the most expressive and analytically powerful process-algebra-based tool sets currently available. With the publication of the wonderfully written Modeling and Analysis of Communicating Systems, the tool set now has the comprehensive companion manuscript it deserves.”

—Scott A. Smolka, Professor of Computer Science, Stony Brook University

“Finally, the book that contains the full story of mCRL2, an extremely powerful specification formalism for concurrent, complex systems empowered by an extensive tool set. This book provides detailed and instructive information on the wide range of modeling and analysis possibilities of mCRL2 and is a must-read for anyone who cares about the correctness of computer systems.”

—Kim Guldstrand Larsen, Professor of Computer Science, Aalborg University;
coauthor of Reactive Systems: Modelling, Specification and Verification

Preface. Acknowledgments.

I. Modeling—1. Introduction. 2. Actions, Behavior, Equivalence, and Abstraction. 3. Data Types. 4. Sequential Processes. 5. Parallel Processes. 6. The Modal µ-calculus. 7. Modeling System Behavior. 8. Timed Process Behavior.

II. Analysis—9. Basic Manipulation of Processes. 10. Linear Process Equations and Linearization. 11. ConfIuence and t-prioritization. 12. Cones and Foci. 13. ê Verification of Distributed Systems.
14. Verification of Modal Formulas Using Parameterized Boolean Equation Systems.

III. Semantics —15. Semantics.

IV. Appendixes—A. Brief Tool Primer. B. Equational Definition of Built-In Data Types. C. Plain-Text Notation. D. Syntax of the Formalisms. E. Axioms for Processes. F. Answers to Exercises.

Bibliography.