An Outline Workflow for Practical Formal Verification from Software Requirements to Object Code

Abstract

This paper considers current state-of-the-art verification techniques that are based upon, or supported by, formal methods principles to ensure a high degree of assurance. It considers the practical application of such approaches in an industrial context so as to achieve an efficient, coherent and integrated workflow.

The key focus is a clear process that starts from software requirements and works through to the final object code on the target, ensuring key verification aims are fulfilled with a high-degree of confidence at each step. The process combines both analysis and testing to maximise the strengths and to cover the weaknesses of each.

For each step, a high-level description of the approach, potential benefits, prerequisites and limitations is given. The workflow outlined considers tools, methods and the supporting processes.