Abstract.
A criterion is presented to prove atomicity of read-write objects by means of ghost variables and invariants. The criterion is applied to Bloom's construction of a two-writer atomic register from two one-writer atomic registers and to the algorithm of Vitanyi and Awerbuch for the construction of a read-write object with \(m\) readers and writers, based on \(m^2\) read-write objects for one reader and one writer. In both cases, the proof comes down to the verification of a number of invariants. The hand-written proofs of these invariants have been verified with a mechanical theorem prover.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 10 May 2001 / 6 December 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hesselink, W. An assertional criterion for atomicity. Acta Informatica 38, 343–366 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002360200080
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002360200080