Described are symbolic finite automata for symbolically expressing and analyzing regular expression constraints, such as for use in program analysis and testing. A regular expression or pattern is transformed into a symbolic finite automaton having transitions that are labeled by formulas that denote sets of characters (rather than individual characters). Also described is composing two or more symbolic finite automata into a resulting symbolic finite automaton that is fully satisfiable. A constraint solver may be used to ensure satisfiability.
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