B-Method

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B is a tool-supported formal method based around AMN (Abstract Machine Notation), used in the development of computer software. It was originally developed by Jean-Raymond Abrial in France and the UK. B is related to the Z notation (also originated by Abrial) and supports development of programming language code from specifications. B has been used in major safety-critical system applications in Europe (such as the Paris Métro Line 14), and is attracting increasing interest in industry. It has robust, commercially available tool support for specification, design, proof and code generation.

The method of software development based on B is known as the B-Method.

Compared to Z, B is slightly more low-level and more focused on refinement to code rather than just formal specification – hence it is easier to implement a specification written in B correctly than one in Z. In particular, there is good tool support for this.

1 Books
2 See also
3 External links
- 3.1 Tools (alphabetical order)

[edit] Books

The B-Book: Assigning Programs to Meanings, Jean-Raymond Abrial, Cambridge University Press, 1996. ISBN 0-521-49619-5.
The B-Method: An Introduction, Steve Schneider, Palgrave, Cornerstones of Computing series, 2001. ISBN 0-333-79284-X.
Software Engineering with B, John Wordsworth, Addison Wesley Longman, 1996. ISBN 0-201-40356-0.
The B Language and Method: A Guide to Practical Formal Development, Kevin Lano, Springer-Verlag, FACIT series, 1996. ISBN 3-540-76033-4.
Specification in B: An Introduction using the B Toolkit, Kevin Lano, World Scientific Publishing Company, Imperial College Press, 1996. ISBN 1-86094-008-0.

[edit] See also

Abstract Machine Notation (AMN), the notation used by the B-Method
Z notation, a similar formal specification notation
Jean-Raymond Abrial, progenitor of the B-Method
Paris Métro Line 14, a project that used the B-Method

[edit] External links

B Method.com : this site is designed to present different work and subjects concerning the B method, a formal method with proof
Atelier B.eu : Atelier B is a systems engineering workshop, which enables software to be developed that is guaranteed to be flawless
B4Free.com : B4Free, is the single-user version of Atelier B without the capability of generating codes.
The B-Method in the Virtual Library formal methods pages