An investigation into the effect of students' use of the CADiZ tool for checking Z formal specifications

The authors predicted that the number of typical errors that students make in Z specifications might be reduced if they were to develop them using the CADiZ syntax and type checking tool; and also that such interaction with CADiZ might lead to an increased understanding of Z. To check these predictions a sample of specifications developed using CADiZ was compared with a similar sample developed without CADiZ. In addition, a questionnaire was used to determine the effect of using CADiZ both on students' attitude to formal specification, and on their self assessed understanding of Z. The results indicate for many students that using CADiZ helped both to reduce the number of typical errors in their specifications, and also led to a more positive attitude towards formal specification.