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

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

• 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

External links

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

• Site B Grenoble

Tools (alphabetical order)

• ABTOOLS ABTools a free B Tool
• Atelier B tool
• B-Core (UK) Ltd
• B4free freeware tools
• BRILLANT open source platform
• jbtools Parser and Editor for B
• ProB Animator and Model Checker
• Rodin event-B open source platform

• Batcave A Proof Obligation Generator

This article is based on material taken from the Free On-line Dictionary of Computing prior to 1 November 2008 and incorporated under the "relicensing" terms of the GFDL, version 1.3 or later.