Overview
What this challenge is about.
Specify the rate-limit service's lease-renewal protocol in TLA+ (PlusCal acceptable for readability). Model 3 invariants: (1) at most one node holds a lease for a tenant at any time, (2) lease eventually transfers if holder fails, (3) per-tenant rate never exceeds the configured quota across a 1-minute window. Model-check with TLC at small parameters (3 nodes, 2 tenants, message-loss model). Document the spec, found edge cases (you will find at least one), and a 10-page write-up linking the spec to the implementation modules. Deliver the .tla files, model-check logs, and the write-up.
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
Produce a TLA+ formal specification of the rate-limit service that model-checks 3 critical properties and surfaces hidden race conditions before the rewrite ships.
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Express a distributed lease protocol in TLA+ (or PlusCal)
- Distinguish safety vs liveness invariants and model-check each
- Use TLC to surface race conditions a code review would miss
- Translate a formal spec into engineering guidance for implementation
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
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Careers
Roles this prepares you for.
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