B-Method

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 correctly implement a specification written in B than one in Z. In particular, there is good tool support for this.

Recently, another formal method called Event-B has been developed. Event-B is considered an evolution of B (also known as classical B). It is a simpler notation, which is easier to learn and use. It comes with tool support in the form of the Rodin Platform

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.

See also

• APCB (Association de Pilotage des Conférences B)

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
• The B-Method in the Virtual Library formal methods pages

• Site B Grenoble

Tools (alphabetical order)

• Atelier B tool
• Batcave A Proof Obligation Generator
• B-Core (UK) Ltd
• B2EXPRESS Animator
• B4free freeware tools
• BRILLANT open source platform
• DumBeX B notation to
• ProB Animator and Model Checker
• Rodin event-B open source platform

This article was originally based on material from the Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, which is licensed under the GFDL.

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