Model Checking Fundamentals: SMT Solvers and Interpolation

Software and hardware systems are increasingly complex, making traditional testing insufficient for critical applications. Formal verification through model checking ensures your systems are mathematically proven to be correct. This course guides you through the foundational concepts of model checking, automated reasoning, and SMT (Satisfiability Modulo Theories) solvers. You will understand how systems are modeled, how proofs of unsatisfiability are generated, and how Craig's interpolants are used to simplify and scale verification tasks. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of formal verification and model checking - Learn how SMT solvers analyze and prove system properties - Explore the mathematical foundations of Craig's interpolants in automated reasoning - Analyze proofs of unsatisfiability and their role in verification - Apply basic modeling techniques to represent system behaviors - Discover modern workflows for scaling verification using interpolation algorithms We begin with the absolute basics of formal logic and transition system modeling before moving into SAT/SMT solving techniques. Finally, we demystify Craig's interpolation and its practical applications in modern verification engines through step-by-step written explanations and conceptual exercises. This course is designed for computer science students, software engineers, and aspiring verification analysts who want to learn the basics of formal methods. No prior experience with model checking or SMT solvers is required. Start reading today to master the essentials of automated system verification.