CBMC vs K Framework
CBMC
diffblue.github.ioK Framework
kframework.orgSide by side
| Figure | CBMC | K Framework |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Formal Verification Tools | 8.1 (#8) | 7.5 (#22) |
| Purpose | CBMC is a bounded model checker for C and C++ programs that explores possible execution paths and checks assertions. | K is a rewrite-based executable semantic framework for defining programming languages, type systems, and formal analysis tools. |
| Support | The repository asks users encountering problems to file a bug report as a GitHub issue. | The official site lists Discord as its most direct support channel and also links to a Matrix room. |
Plans
In their own words
CBMC
CBMC is a bounded model checker for C and C++ programs. It explores execution paths to check assertions, including array bounds, pointer safety, exceptions, and some undefined behavior such as signed integer overflow. Its analysis unwinds loops before sending the resulting equation to a decision procedure, and inputs may need a bounded size. The repository lists C89, C99, most of C11, C17, C23, GCC and Visual Studio extensions, and SystemC through Scoot; the listed input languages also include Java bytecode. CBMC supports contracts and can produce counterexamples. Its incremental SMT2 backend works with SMT-LIB 2.6-compliant solvers, with Z3 and CVC5 as examples. Distribution options include Homebrew instructions for macOS, Ubuntu DEB packages, Windows MSI installers, and Docker images. goto-cc can replace gcc or cl.exe in Makefiles to collect project models. The guide discusses routine development and continuous integration use. CBMC is free under the 4-clause BSD license.
K Framework
K Framework has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.