Formal Methods in Safety Critical Systems
Safety and Reliability · 1991
Formal methods—as applied to the specification, design, construction and maintenance of systems—have attracted considerable attention because of their potential for use in safety critical systems. Yet criticisms are often made on the grounds of certain inadequacies and limitations. The purpose of this paper is to provide a true assessment of the potential of these methods.Formal methods are seen as an approach which is applicable to software, hardware and systems generally. The formality provides the basis—not just for accuracy, precision and proof—but also for the enhanced use of tools, reasoning and the automation of aspects of the development process.Although these methods are not yet fully mature and further research and development is needed, those associated with systems development are encouraged to retain a close watching brief in the expectation that eventually substantial benefits will accrue from the use of these methods.