Code‐level model checking in the software development workflow at Amazon Web Services. (20th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chong, Nathan; Cook, Byron; Eidelman, Jonathan; Kallas, Konstantinos; Khazem, Kareem; Monteiro, Felipe R.; Schwartz‐Narbonne, Daniel; Tasiran, Serdar; Tautschnig, Michael; Tuttle, Mark R.
• Other Names: Bishop Judith guestEditor.; Cooper Kendra M.L. guestEditor.; Kim Moonzoo guestEditor.; Koziolek Heiko guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Software, practice & experience. Volume 51:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 772
• Page End: 797
• Publication Date: 2021-01-20
• Subjects: continuous integration -- model checking -- memory safety; Computer software -- Periodicals; Computer programming -- Periodicals; Computer programs -- Periodicals; 005.3
• DOI: 10.1002/spe.2949
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-0644

Abstract

Abstract: This article describes a style of applying symbolic model checking developed over the course of four years at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Lessons learned are drawn from proving properties of numerous C‐based systems, for example, custom hypervisors, encryption code, boot loaders, and an IoT operating system. Using our methodology, we find that we can prove the correctness of industrial low‐level C‐based systems with reasonable effort and predictability. Furthermore, AWS developers are increasingly writing their own formal specifications. As part of this effort, we have developed a CI system that allows integration of the proofs into standard development workflows and extended the proof tools to provide better feedback to users. All proofs discussed in this article are publicly available on GitHub.