Fork Algebras

In this chapter we present the class of fork algebras, an extension of relation algebras with an extra operator called fork. We will present results relating fork algebras both to logic and to computer science. The interpretability of first-order theories as equational theories in fork algebras will provide a tool for expressing program specifications as fork algebra equations. Furthermore, the finite axiomatizability of this class of algebras will be shown to have deep influence in the process of program development within a relational calculus based on fork algebras.