Formal Methods for Developing Software Specifications: Paths to Wider Usage.
Constance Heitmeyer · 1999
Although many formal methods have been proposed for improving the quality of software specifications, a number of barriers to widespread use of these methods remain. This paper describes four of these barriers---failure to scale, unnatural interfaces, limited analysis capabilities, and insufficient tool integration---and suggests some promising approaches for overcoming them. These approaches include automated abstraction, user interfaces designed for ease of use, and the application of powerful decision procedures. To illustrate the barriers and approaches to overcoming them, several examples are presented based on the SCR (Software Cost Reduction) requirements method.