An Introduction to Practical Formal Methods Using Temporal Logic (ePub)

The name "temporal logic" may sound complex and daunting; but while
they describe potentially complex scenarios, temporal logics are
often based on a few simple, and fundamental, concepts -
highlighted in this book. An Introduction to Practical Formal
Methods Using Temporal Logic provides an introduction to formal
methods based on temporal logic, for developing and testing complex
computational systems. These methods are supported by many
well-developed tools, techniques and results that can be applied to
a wide range of systems.

Fisher begins with a full introduction to the subject, covering
the basics of temporal logic and using a variety of examples,
exercises and pointers to more advanced work to help clarify and
illustrate the topics discussed. He goes on to describe how this
logic can be used to specify a variety of computational systems,
looking at issues of linking specifications, concurrency,
communication and composition ability. He then analyses temporal
specification techniques such as deductive verification,
algorithmic verification, and direct execution to develop and
verify computational systems. The final chapter on case studies
analyses the potential problems that can occur in a range of
engineering applications in the areas of robotics, railway
signalling, hardware design, ubiquitous computing, intelligent
agents, and information security, and explains how temporal logic
can improve their accuracy and reliability.

* Models temporal notions and uses them to analyze computational
systems

* Provides a broad approach to temporal logic across many formal
methods - including specification, verification and
implementation

* Introduces and explains freely available tools based on
temporal logics and shows how these can be applied

* Presents exercises and pointers to further study in each
chapter, as well as an accompanying website providing links to
additional systems based upon temporal logic as well as additional
material related to the book.