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Are You Using Z-Notation to Validate Your Software?

Posted by Cliff on from the mathematically-examinating-your-code dept.

ghopson asks: "Many years ago in the early nineties I became aware of a software definition language called Z, which was based on set theory. The idea was that a software system could be defined in 'Z', and then that system could be mathematically proven to be 100% correct (in other words, zero defects).What is the current state of play with 'zero defect' software development? I know Z still exists, that there is a software development method (the B-method) associated with it. Have techniques and advances such as MDA advanced zero-defect software development? Or would a set of robust unit tests suffice?"

3 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. Re:sure.. by themo0c0w · · Score: -1, Troll

    You've just demonstrated the halting problem. Congrats, now go read up some more on CS theory.

    --
    ph34r teh p0w3r 0f th3 c0w
  2. are you, PUNK ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    Well, are you, PUNK ?

  3. Re:sure.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    I've solved the halting problem. Here's the source code:

    int main () {
    printf ("it'll halt, eventually\n"); // code to handle the power failure case.
    return 0;
    }