POPL 2026
Sun 11 - Sat 17 January 2026 Rennes, France

This program is tentative and subject to change.

Sun 11 Jan 2026 11:56 - 12:06 at Salle 13 - Second Session

We develop a verification framework aimed at establishing the correctness of discrete sampling algorithms. Within the framework, probabilistic programs are treated as distribution transformers. Inspired by recent work on distributional verification of Markov models, we introduce the notion of (inductive) distributional loop invariants for discrete probabilistic programs. These invariants are embedded in a Hoare-like verification framework that includes proof rules for total and partial correctness. Using our framework, we prove the correctness of two discrete sampling algorithms: the Fast Dice Roller and the Fast Loaded Dice Roller.

Updated Abstract: Verifying Sampling Algorithms via Distributional Invariants (LAFI_Final_update.pdf)436KiB

This program is tentative and subject to change.

Sun 11 Jan

Displayed time zone: Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris change

11:00 - 12:30
Second SessionLAFI at Salle 13
11:00
45m
Keynote
Keynote
LAFI
11:45
10m
Talk
Monte Carlo Analysis of Probabilistic Programs
LAFI
A. Zhao Princeton, David Walker Princeton University
11:56
10m
Talk
Verifying Sampling Algorithms via Distributional Invariants
LAFI
Daniel Zilken , Tobias Winkler RWTH Aachen University, Kevin Batz RWTH Aachen University, Joost-Pieter Katoen RWTH Aachen University
File Attached
12:07
10m
Talk
Sequential Monte Carlo Program Synthesis with Refinement Proposals
LAFI
Maddy Bowers Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mauricio Barba da Costa MIT, Xiaoyan Wang Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Joshua B. Tenenbaum Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Vikash Mansinghka Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Armando Solar-Lezama Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Alexander K. Lew Yale University
12:18
10m
Talk
A Word Sampler for Well-Typed Functions
LAFI