A framework for assume-guarantee regression verification of evolving software

•This paper presents a method for generating local weakest assumptions using a backtracking algorithm.•The backtracking algorithm is based on CDNF algorithm and a variant of membership query answering technique.•The correctness of the backtracking algorithm is presented in the paper•The backtracking algorithm is then integrated into a framework for effectively rechecking evolving software.•The paper presents experimental results for some common systems in the researcher community. This paper presents a framework for verifying evolving component-based software using assume-guarantee logic. The goal is to improve CDNF-based assumption generation method by having local weakest assumptions that can be used more effectively when verifying component-based software in the context of software evolution. For this purpose, we improve the technique for responding to membership queries when generating candidate assumptions. This technique is then integrated into a proposed backtracking algorithm to generate local weakest assumptions. These assumptions are effectively used in rechecking the evolving software by reducing time required for assumption regeneration within the proposed framework. The proposed framework can be applied to verify software that is continually evolving. An implemented tool and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the framework.