Elements of Finite Model Theory

Description

This book is an introduction to finite model theory which stresses the computer science origins of the area. In addition to presenting the main techniques for analyzing logics over finite models, the book deals extensively with applications in databases, complexity theory, and formal languages, as well as other branches of computer science. It covers Ehrenfeucht-Fraïssé games, locality-based techniques, complexity analysis of logics, including the basics of descriptive complexity, second-order logic and its fragments, connections with finite automata, fixed point logics, finite variable logics, zero-one laws, and embedded finite models, and gives a brief tour of recently discovered applications of finite model theory. This book can be used both as an introduction to the subject, suitable for a one- or two-semester graduate course, or as reference for researchers who apply techniques from logic in computer science.

Subjects

Series Statement

• Texts in Theoretical Computer Science, An EATCS Series

Other Editions

• Elements of Finite Model TheoryElectronic resourceSpringer Berlin Heidelberg2004-01-01
• Elements of Finite Model TheoryCreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform2014-01-01