Formal methods are mathematical approaches used in software and system development to support the rigorous specification, design, and verification of computer systems. They provide a mathematically rigorous model of a complex system, allowing designers to verify the system's properties more thoroughly than with traditional methods. Formal methods are often applied in safety-critical or security-critical software and hardware systems, such as avionics software.
Key features of formal methods include:
Mathematical rigor: Formal methods use mathematical models to build software and hardware systems, ensuring correctness and system integrity.
Verification: Formal methods allow for thorough verification of system properties, reducing the likelihood of errors and vulnerabilities.
Complementary to testing: While formal methods cannot fully replace standard quality assurance methods, they serve as a complementary technique in system design, enhancing the overall reliability and robustness of the system.
There are different types of formal methods, such as the B-Method, specification languages used in automated theorem proving, and RAISE. Formal methods can be applied using a three-step approach, including formal specification, formal design, and formal verification. As systems become more complicated, the use of formal methods can help ensure that software and hardware systems are reliable, secure, and function as intended.