Do you speak Z? Formal methods under the perspective of a cross-cultural adaptation problem

Abstract

The use of formal specifications seems to be a silver bullet in a world where technical systems become more and more software intensive and where quality considerations become increasingly important. However, formal methods and the use of formal specifications are by far not so widespread as they should and could be. This position paper argues that a broader view onto this situation can be very helpful. It introduces the formal development process as a cross-cultural adaptation problem, discusses pros and cons, and, finally, comes up with a refined model for a formal software development process.