In the context of abstract interpretation-based static analysis, we propose a new abstract operator modeling the split of control flow paths: the goal of the operator is to enable a more efficient analysis when using abstract domains that are computationally expensive, having no negative effect on precision, and occasionally resulting in a more precise analysis. We focus on the case of conditional branches guarded by numeric linear constraints, including implicit numerical branches. We provide an experimental evaluation of real-world test cases, showing that by using the split operator we can achieve significant efficiency improvements with respect to the classical approach for a static analysis based on the domain of convex polyhedra. We also briefly discuss the applicability of this new operator to different, possibly non-numeric abstract domains.

Speeding up static analysis with the split operator / Arceri, Vincenzo; Dolcetti, Greta; Zaffanella, Enea. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON SOFTWARE TOOLS FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER. - ISSN 1433-2779. - (2024). [10.1007/s10009-024-00761-2]

Speeding up static analysis with the split operator

Arceri, Vincenzo
;
Dolcetti, Greta;Zaffanella, Enea
2024-01-01

Abstract

In the context of abstract interpretation-based static analysis, we propose a new abstract operator modeling the split of control flow paths: the goal of the operator is to enable a more efficient analysis when using abstract domains that are computationally expensive, having no negative effect on precision, and occasionally resulting in a more precise analysis. We focus on the case of conditional branches guarded by numeric linear constraints, including implicit numerical branches. We provide an experimental evaluation of real-world test cases, showing that by using the split operator we can achieve significant efficiency improvements with respect to the classical approach for a static analysis based on the domain of convex polyhedra. We also briefly discuss the applicability of this new operator to different, possibly non-numeric abstract domains.
2024
Speeding up static analysis with the split operator / Arceri, Vincenzo; Dolcetti, Greta; Zaffanella, Enea. - In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON SOFTWARE TOOLS FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER. - ISSN 1433-2779. - (2024). [10.1007/s10009-024-00761-2]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11381/2996135
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