MSc-level course at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, computer science
6 credits
Academic year 2018–2019, period 2
This courses introduces the proof assistant Lean, its type-theoretic foundations, and its applications to mathematics and computer science.
A proof assistant is used to check the correctness of a specification of a program or the proof of a mathematical theorem. The course is concerned with the proof assistant Lean, a system that is developed primarily at Microsoft Research. In the practical work, we learn to use Lean. We will see how to use the system to prove mathematical theorems in a precise, formal way, and how to verify small functional programs (e.g., a sorting algorithm). In the course, we focus on its dependent type theory and on the Curry–Howard–De Bruijn correspondence between proofs and functional programs (λ-terms). These concepts are the basis of Lean but also of other popular systems, including Agda, Coq, and Matita.
The course is oriented towards the application of proof assistants to computer science and mathematics. We will use Lean, a modern system developed at Microsoft Research. In each lecture, we will review a Lean file; for example, for the first lecture the file is called 11_lecture.lean. It can be downloaded from the materials section below.
If you need to contact us, please email both lecturers (J.C. Blanchette and J. Hölzl), with [LV] in the subject line. We will try to monitor Canvas regularly. You can also use Canvas for discussions and questions related to Lean.
Although the course is application-driven, this is a university course, so theory is important as well. We will cover it as it emerges, but you are expected to read the materials we refer to, such as Theorem Proving in Lean.
To each lecture (on Mondays and Thursdays) corresponds some notes in Markdown format (e.g., 11_notes.md), a Lean exercise sheet (e.g., 11_exercise_sheet.lean) and a Lean homework sheet (e.g., 11_homework_sheet.lean). The exercises are crucial; theorem proving can only be learned by doing. We will assist you during the group exercises (on Tuesdays and Fridays) and answer questions on Canvas. We will also help you set up Lean and Visual Studio code on your computer. See below for links to software and installation instructions.
For the group exercises, we strongly recommend that you bring your own wine^H^H^H^Hlaptop. Otherwise, you can also use the online Lean interface.
The homework given at lecture n is due by the beginning of lecture n + 2. The homework is mandatory for obtaining a passing grade at the end.
We have experience teaching Isabelle/HOL and Coq, but this is the first time we teach Lean. We are open to suggestions on how to enhance the teaching materials for future years. Of course, we will be happy to help if you run into difficulties. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Exceptionally, the homework for lectures 3.3 and 4.1 will be replaced by a project. You can think up a nice formalization project for yourself, such as these:
You should set yourself a time limit before starting your project. Also incomplete/unfinished formalizations are welcome and will be graded. Please comment your formalization well, such that we can see what it does or is intended to do. You are welcome to discuss your plans with your instructors before starting your project.
The course will consist of 14 lectures:
The above list is subject to changes.
This year's course is the first of its kind, with the emphasis on practical applications and on dependent type theory in Lean. Below you will find a mock exam as well as some exams from previous years for related courses at the VU and the Universität des Saarlandes in Saarbrücken. These give a rough idea of what "formal proofs on paper" can look like.
Please note that the previous Logical Verification course had a stronger focus on the metatheory of dependent type theory and on the Curry–Howard correspondence (and less on practical applications), and the course in Saarbrücken covered Isabelle/HOL and language semantics, going well beyond what we achieve in part 3 of the current course. Closer to the exam, we will make some dedicated practice material available.
To participate at the exam, you must have submitted and passed all of the practical work.