Mace4 Model Searcher

Version 2004-D (May 2004)

Abstract

Mace4 is a program that searches for finite models of first-order formulas. For a given domain size, all instances of the formulas over the domain are constructed. The result is a set of ground clauses with equality. Then, a decision procedure based on ground equational rewriting is applied. If satisfiability is detected, one or more models are printed. Mace4 is a useful complement to first-order theorem provers, with the prover searching for proofs and Mace4 looking for countermodels, and it is useful for work on finite algebras. Mace4 performs better on equational problems than our previous model-searching program Mace2.

Documentation

Examples

Engineering

Mace4 was built with LADR, a Library of Automated Deduction Routines.

The Distribution Package

The current version can be found on the Mace4 Web page.

The official Mace4 package is for UNIX-like operating systems (including Mac OS X). Here is some information on installation.

Versions for Microsoft Windows might be available some day.
William McCune
Mathematics and Computer Science Division
Argonne National Laboratory