Published
Dec 18, 2024
Updated
Dec 18, 2024

Rango: AI-Powered Proof Automation for Coq

Rango: Adaptive Retrieval-Augmented Proving for Automated Software Verification
By
Kyle Thompson|Nuno Saavedra|Pedro Carrott|Kevin Fisher|Alex Sanchez-Stern|Yuriy Brun|João F. Ferreira|Sorin Lerner|Emily First

Summary

Software bugs are a costly problem, and formal verification, while effective, is time-consuming and requires expertise. Imagine a world where proving software correctness is automated. Rango, a new AI-powered tool, makes this a reality. By leveraging large language models (LLMs) and a clever retrieval system, Rango can automatically synthesize proofs in the Coq proof assistant, dramatically reducing the manual effort involved in formal verification. Unlike previous tools, Rango doesn't just rely on identifying relevant lemmas and definitions. It also learns from similar proofs within the same project. This innovative approach, called retrieval-augmented proving, allows Rango to adapt to the specific project and the evolving proof as it's being constructed. Think of it like having an AI pair programmer that specializes in proofs. At each step, Rango looks at the current proof, retrieves similar proofs and relevant lemmas from the project, and uses this information along with an LLM to suggest the next step. This makes it far more effective than tools that simply try to guess the next tactic. Tests on a massive new dataset called CoqStoq show that Rango outperforms state-of-the-art tools, proving 29% more theorems than the previous leader. The research demonstrates how LLMs, combined with smart retrieval techniques, can transform complex tasks like formal verification, making high-quality, bug-free software more attainable. While challenges remain, such as handling very long or complex proofs, Rango's adaptive learning represents a significant leap forward in automating software verification and paves the way for a future where proving software correctness is as easy as writing it.
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Question & Answers

How does Rango's retrieval-augmented proving system work in automating Coq proofs?
Rango's retrieval-augmented proving system operates as a two-part process that combines LLMs with contextual proof retrieval. First, it analyzes the current proof state and searches for similar proofs and relevant lemmas within the same project. Then, it feeds this retrieved context along with the current proof state to an LLM, which generates the next proof step. This process is iterative, with each step building upon previous ones while adapting to the specific project context. For example, when proving a theorem about list operations, Rango might retrieve similar list-related proofs from the codebase, identify common proof patterns, and apply these insights to generate the next tactical step.
What are the benefits of AI-powered formal verification for software development?
AI-powered formal verification offers significant advantages for software development by automating the process of proving code correctness. It reduces the time and expertise needed to verify software, making it more accessible to general developers. The key benefits include faster bug detection, reduced development costs, and improved software reliability. For instance, in critical systems like medical devices or autonomous vehicles, AI-powered verification tools can automatically check for potential failures and ensure safety properties, tasks that would traditionally require extensive manual effort by formal methods experts.
How is artificial intelligence changing the future of software testing?
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing software testing by automating complex verification processes and making them more efficient. AI systems can now analyze code patterns, predict potential bugs, and even generate test cases automatically. This transformation means faster development cycles, reduced costs, and more reliable software products. In practical terms, developers can focus more on creating features while AI handles the tedious aspects of testing. For example, AI tools can continuously monitor code changes, automatically generate test scenarios, and identify potential issues before they reach production, resulting in higher quality software with less manual effort.

PromptLayer Features

  1. Workflow Management
  2. Rango's retrieval-augmented proving system mirrors multi-step orchestration needs in prompt workflows
Implementation Details
Create reusable templates for proof step generation, implement retrieval system tracking, establish version control for proof attempts
Key Benefits
• Reproducible proof generation pipelines • Traceable retrieval system performance • Versioned proof development stages
Potential Improvements
• Add proof success metrics tracking • Implement proof step caching • Create automated regression testing
Business Value
Efficiency Gains
30-40% reduction in proof development time through automated orchestration
Cost Savings
Reduced computing resources through optimized retrieval and caching
Quality Improvement
Higher proof success rates through consistent workflow management
  1. Testing & Evaluation
  2. Rango's evaluation on CoqStoq dataset demonstrates need for robust testing frameworks
Implementation Details
Set up batch testing infrastructure, implement A/B testing for different proof strategies, create evaluation metrics
Key Benefits
• Systematic proof quality assessment • Performance comparison across versions • Early detection of regression issues
Potential Improvements
• Add automated benchmark generation • Implement cross-validation testing • Create detailed performance analytics
Business Value
Efficiency Gains
50% faster identification of optimal proof strategies
Cost Savings
Reduced debugging time through early issue detection
Quality Improvement
29% increase in successful proof generation through systematic testing

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