Are formal methods ready for agility? A reality check

Abstract

The integration of agile software development techniques with formal methods has attracted attention as a research topic. But what exactly is to be gained from attempting to combine two approaches which are seen as orthogonal or even opposing, and to what extent do formal methods already support the principles of agility? Based on the authors' experience in applying lightweight tool-supported formal methods in industrial projects, this paper assesses the readiness of formal methods technologies for supporting agile techniques and identified areas in which new research could improve the prospects of synergy between the two approaches in future.