The Use of Mathematics in Software Development

For many decades, computer science researchers have predicted that the ”Formal Methods” that they develop and advocate would bring about a drastic improvement in the quality and cost of software. That improvement has never materialized. This talk explain the difference between the methods and notations that constitute ”Formal Methods” and the mathematical methods and notation that are used successfully in other areas of Engineering. It discusses the reasons for the failure of Formal Methods to effect the desired changes in the practise of software.