Coq

In automated theorem proving, Coq is a proof assistant which handles mathematical assertions, checks mechanically proofs of these assertions, helps to find formal proofs, and extracts a certified program from the constructive proof of its formal specification. Coq works within the theory of the Calculus of Inductive Constructions, a derivative of the Calculus of Constructions.

It was developed in France, in the LogiCal project, jointly operated by INRIA, École Polytechnique, University Paris XI and CNRS (there was also formerly a group at École Normale Supérieure de Lyon). The team leaders are Pr Gilles Dowek and Pr Christine Paulin-Mohring. Coq is written in the Ocaml programming language.

Coq means "rooster" in French – and Thierry Coquand (along with Gérard Huet) developed the aforementioned Calculus of Constructions.

Benjamin Werner (of INRIA) and Georges Gonthier (of Microsoft Research, in Cambridge, England) used Coq to create a surveyable proof of the Four color theorem, which was completed in September 2004.

External links

• The Coq proof assistant
• Development of theories and tactics: Four Color Theorem