What is GP 2?

GP 2 is a visual, rule-based, non-deterministic graph programming language which frees programmers from handling low-level data structures for graphs. The main motivation behind GP 2 is facilitating formal reasoning about programs while supporting practical problem solving.

A GP 2 program algorithmically transforms an input graph into an output graph by sequentially applying graph transformation rules. GP 2 is computationally complete in that every computable partial function on labelled graphs can be programmed. There are a number of results on formally verifying graph programs using Hoare logics, and on checking programs for confluence (see Verification of Graph Programs and Checking Graph Programs for Confluence on the publications page).

The core of GP 2 consists of four constructs: single-step application of a set of conditional graph transformation rules, sequential composition, branching and iteration. The language has a small structural operational semantics.

Our existing compiler generates raw C code from a GP 2 program’s source code. This source code, which is concise and optimised, is capable of competing with textbook C programs for some graph problems (see here).

GP 2 programs combine the speed of low-level C programming with the expressiveness of graph transformation. If you want to transform graphs, GP 2 should be your go-to tool.

In addition, we have a probabilistic version of GP 2, called P-GP 2, which has been applied to problems in evolutionary computation (see Probabilistic GP 2 on the publications page).

How do I get started?

Head over to this page for instructions on installing GP 2 and running your first program. See also the GP 2 github page.

How can I find out more?

You can contact us at any time or take a look at our various publications for more information.