Reversible Erlang

An implementation of a reversible semantics for Erlang.

Dependencies

This project uses wx, the Erlang binding of wxWidgets.
Therefore, you might have to build Erlang/OTP with wxWidgets if you did not in the past, but we recommend you to try to compile and execute the application first.

How to use

First, compile the project:

make

Then, execute the script rev-erlang.sh:

./rev-erlang.sh

An astonishing graphical interface will appear in your screen.

To start using the application:

1. Select an Erlang file using the File > Open option from the menu bar. This compiles the file and shows the Core Erlang code in the Code window.
2. Choose the function to be evaluated and write its arguments (if needed).
3. Push the START button.

Then, the initial state of the system will appear in the State window.

You can control the evaluation of a program using two modes:

• Manual: Introduce a Pid in the Pid/MsgId text box and choose a fireable rule.
• Automatic:
  • Forward/Backward: Introduce a number of steps N in the Steps text box and push the Forward or the Backward button. Then, N evaluation steps will be performed in the chosen direction.
  • Normalize: Move the system forward up to a system where the only firable rules are Sched (deliver a message).

Both modes can be used interchangeably.

Publications

This tool is an implementation of the improved version of a reversible semantics for Erlang (submitted for publication). A preliminary version of this semantics can be found in:

• Naoki Nishida, Adrián Palacios and Germán Vidal. A Reversible Semantics for Erlang. To be published in Proceedings of the 26th International Symposium on Logic-Based Program Synthesis and Transformation.

Have questions?

Check the Wiki for more information.