Rocq

Overview

Rocq is a self-hosted proof assistant for formal mathematics and software verification. It is best suited to people prepared to build and check proofs in Gallina, rather than readers looking for a general-purpose programming environment.

Its central strength is that a relatively small kernel checks proofs, while interactive methods and tactics support their construction. That makes Rocq a focused option for mechanised proofs and certified programs; the trade-off is that it is a specialist tool whose work takes place in a formal language.

Key features

• Proof construction and checking: Rocq combines interactive proof methods with decision and semi-decision algorithms, plus a tactic language for defining methods. The small certification kernel checks the resulting proofs, a useful separation for users who want machine-checked mathematical or program-verification artifacts.
• Gallina: The language supports mathematical expression and formal specifications, and is based on the Polymorphic, Cumulative Calculus of Inductive Constructions. This is a strong fit for formal work, not a casual route to ordinary application development.
• Program extraction: Certified programs can be extracted to OCaml, Haskell, or Scheme. That gives proof work a path into executable programs, though the supported extraction targets are specific.
• Connections and integrations: Rocq can connect to external computer algebra systems or theorem provers. The official VsRocq extension supports Visual Studio Code; other options include Rocq LSP, VsCoq Legacy, Proof General, Coqtail, and RocqIDE. This range helps accommodate different editor workflows.

Pricing

Rocq Prover is free: the plan costs nothing and is distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public Licence Version 2.1. There is no free trial because there is no paid plan to trial. The free release is the complete stated plan, rather than a time-limited entry tier.

Its self-hosted deployment means users install and run the prover and packages in their own environment. The Rocq Platform bundles the core prover with libraries and plugins; its scripts support macOS, Windows, and many Linux distributions. Precompiled installers are provided for macOS and Windows, but Linux users must use scripts that install from sources because there is no Rocq Platform binary installer for Linux.

Platforms

Rocq is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with Docker distribution and editor extensions also supported. Visual Studio Code users have the official VsRocq extension, while Proof General, Coqtail, RocqIDE, Rocq LSP, and VsCoq Legacy provide other integration choices. Linux support is real but less turnkey: installation uses source-based scripts rather than a binary Platform installer.

The Platform is intended for development and teaching, and the prover is used in mathematics, computer science, and related areas. Questions and issues can be raised through Zulip, Discourse, or GitHub.

Who it's for

Rocq suits mathematicians, computer scientists, educators, and software practitioners who need interactive theorem proving, formal specifications, or proofs that programs meet those specifications. Program extraction makes it relevant when verified work should produce code in OCaml, Haskell, or Scheme.

It is a poor fit for someone seeking a hosted verification service or a broad, conventional programming environment. Linux users who specifically need a precompiled installer should also weigh the source-based setup requirement.

Pros and cons

• Pro — small proof-checking kernel: Proofs are machine-checked by a relatively small certification kernel, supporting confidence in mechanised artifacts.
• Pro — proofs can lead to executable code: Extraction to OCaml, Haskell, and Scheme connects formal development with program output.
• Pro — broad editor options: Official Visual Studio Code support sits alongside integrations for other editors and IDEs.
• Con — Linux setup is less direct: There is no binary Platform installer, so Linux installation relies on scripts that build from sources.
• Con — specialist formal language: Gallina and interactive proof construction are tailored to mathematical and verification work, not general-purpose everyday development.

Alternatives

For other tools in the category, browse Formal Verification Tools.

• PVS is another free choice for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its noncommercial plan is free; commercial use has a separate plan.
• Z3 may suit readers looking for a free tool with Android, API, web, and self-hosted platform options alongside desktop systems.
• ACL2 is another free option for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use.
• Isabelle is worth considering as a free, open-source alternative for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use.
• SPIN is a free source-and-executables option for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• UPPAAL has a free academic license for eligible non-commercial academic use on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• Frama-C is another free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• Alloy Analyzer is a free option for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Verdict

Choose Rocq if your priority is constructing formal proofs and checking them with a small kernel, especially when you want to extract certified programs or work through an editor integration. Its free, self-hosted release removes a pricing barrier; Linux users who want a binary installer, and anyone seeking a general-purpose or hosted tool, should look elsewhere.