SMT solving
Theory solver
A procedure that decides or propagates constraints in one formal theory.
Definition
Theory solver
A theory solver reasons about operations and relations from a selected SMT theory.
It can detect conflicts or derive consequences that Boolean search alone cannot see. An SMT architecture may combine several theory procedures with a SAT solver.
01
Example
An arithmetic procedure can detect that x < 2 and x > 5 cannot both hold over integers.
02
Important distinction
A procedure complete for linear arithmetic may not decide nonlinear multiplication.
After reading this article, you should be able to
- Define Theory solver in the sense used on this site.
- Identify which conflicts require theory reasoning rather than Boolean propagation alone.