Formal software development tools: an investigation into usability

Formal methods are techniques that are firmly based in mathematics, they can be used to specify and verify computer systems. Formal techniques offer many advantages, including correctness and productivity over less formal ones. Wide acceptance of these methods is hindered by their relatively difficult notations and theories. This thesis takes the view that the availability of usable tools that support formal techniques plays an important role in promoting their use by a wider community of software engineers. [Continues.]