Simplify

Given a formula, apply a sequence of Z3 tactics to produce an equivalent but simpler form. This is useful for understanding what Z3 sees after preprocessing, debugging tactic selection, and reducing formula size before solving.

Step 1: Choose tactics

Action: Select a tactic chain from the available Z3 tactics based on the formula's theory.

Expectation: A comma-separated list of tactic names suitable for the formula domain.

Result: If unsure, use the default chain: simplify,propagate-values,ctx-simplify. For bitvector formulas, add bit-blast. Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Run simplification

Action: Invoke simplify.py with the formula and optional tactic chain.

Expectation: The script applies each tactic in sequence and prints the simplified formula. A run entry is logged to z3agent.db.

Result: If the output is simpler, pass it to solve or prove. If unchanged, try a different tactic chain.

python3 scripts/simplify.py --formula "(assert (and (> x 0) (> x 0)))" --vars "x:Int"
python3 scripts/simplify.py --file formula.smt2 --tactics "simplify,propagate-values,ctx-simplify"
python3 scripts/simplify.py --file formula.smt2 --debug

Without --tactics, the script applies the default chain: simplify, propagate-values, ctx-simplify.

Step 3: Interpret the output

Action: Read the simplified formula output in SMT-LIB2 syntax.

Expectation: One or more (assert ...) blocks representing equivalent subgoals.

Result: A smaller formula indicates successful reduction. Pass the result to solve, prove, or optimize as needed.

Parameters