Method, Methodology and Formal Methods

• Method:
  • By a method we shall understand a set of principles for selecting and applying
    a number of analysis & synthesis techniques and tools in order to achieve a goal
  • where that goal here is to develop a software specification
  • whether that specification be a
    • a domain description,
    • a requirements prescription,
    • a software design and code,
    • or the first or last two, or all of these.
• Methodology:
  • By methodology we shall understand the study and knowledge of one or more methods.
• Formal Methods:
  • By a formal method we shall understand a method several of whose techniques and tools
    can be explained mathematically , such as, e.g.,
    • refinements,
    • tests, model checks, theorem proofs,
    • specification language syntax, semantics and proof systems.

The present course endows domain analysis & description with a formal method.