10.6 Formal Methods
In a strict definition, formal methods are mathematical techniques used to prove with absolute certainty that a program works. A broader definition would include all discrete mathematics techniques used in software engineering.
Formal methods are more often used for requirements specifications. The specifications are written in a formal language, such as Z, VDM, or Larch, and then properties of the specifications are proved, through model-checking or theorem-proving techniques. Proving properties of formal specifications is probably the most popular application of formal methods. Formal methods can also be applied to prove that a particular implementation conforms to a specification at some level. Formal methods are typically ...
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