In computer science and mathematical logic, a proof assistant or interactive theorem prover is a software tool to assist with the development of formal proofs by human-machine collaboration. This involves some sort of interactive proof editor, or other interface, with which a human can guide the search for proofs, the details of which are stored in, and some steps provided by, a computer.
This type of software provides a formal language to write mathematical definitions, executable algorithms and theorems together with an environment for semi-interactive development of machine-checked proofs.
These software tools aid the development of formal proofs by man-machine collaboration. They offer a formal language where mathematical definitions, executable algorithms and theorems co-exist, and an interactive environment keeping the current status of the proof, and updating it according to commands (usually called tactics) issued by the user.
Here’s our verdict. They are all free and open source software.
Let’s explore the 4 proof assistants. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, a screenshot of the software in action together with links to relevant resources.
| Proof Assistants | |
|---|---|
| Isabelle | Generic proof assistant; express mathematical formulas in a formal language |
| Coq | Formal proof management system |
| Agda | Interactive system for writing and checking proofs |
| Matita | Experimental, interactive theorem prover |
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