Formal Analysis and Verification of DPSTM v2 Architecture Using CSP

Abstract

Transactional memory is designed for developing parallel programs and improving the efficiency of parallel pro-grams. PSTM (python software transactional memory) mainly supports multi-core parallel programs based on the python language. In order to better adapt to the developing requirements of distributed concurrent programs and enhance the safety of the system, DPSTM (distributed python software transactional memory) was developed. Compared with PSTM, DPSTM has the advantages of higher operating efficiency and stronger fault tolerance. In this paper, we apply CSP (Communicating Sequential Processes) to formally analyze the components of DPSTM v2 architecture, the data exchange process between components, and two different transaction processing modes. We use the model checker PAT (Process Analysis Toolkit) to model the DPSTM v2 architecture and verify eight properties, including deadlock freedom, ACI (atomicity, isolation, and consistency), sequential consistency, data server availability, read tolerance, and crash tolerance. The verification results show that the DPSTM v2 archi-tecture can guarantee all of the above properties. In particular, the normal operation of the system can be maintained when some of the data servers are crashed, ensuring the safety of a distributed system.