B Method
The B Method is a formal method for software development that uses mathematical notation to specify, design, and verify systems, particularly for safety-critical applications. It is based on set theory and first-order logic, enabling rigorous proof of correctness through refinement steps from abstract specifications to concrete implementations. Developed by Jean-Raymond Abrial, it is often used in industries like transportation, aerospace, and nuclear systems where reliability is paramount.
Developers should learn the B Method when working on high-integrity systems where failures could have severe consequences, such as in railway signaling, medical devices, or avionics software. It is valuable for ensuring correctness through formal verification, reducing bugs and enhancing safety compliance, especially in regulated environments like those following standards like DO-178C or EN 50128. Use cases include developing control systems, embedded software, and any application requiring provable correctness.