A Stratified Semantics of General References Embeddable in Higher-Order Logic

We demonstrate a semantic model of general references 驴 that is, mutable memory cells that may contain values of any (statically-checked) closed type, including other references. Our model is in terms of execution sequences on a von Neumann machine; thus, it can be used in a Proof-Carrying Code system where the skeptical consumer checks even the proofs of the typing rules. The model allows us to prove a frame-axiom introduction rule that allows locality of specification and reasoning, even in the event of updates to aliased locations. Our proof is machine-checked in the Twelf metalogic.