Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Formal code analysis refers to a systematic and rigorous examination of source code using mathematical methods. It involves applying formal verification techniques to ensure correctness and reliability in software development.
Related terms
Static code analysis: A technique used in formal code analysis where the source code is analyzed without executing it. This helps identify potential bugs, security vulnerabilities, and adherence to coding standards.
Abstract interpretation: A formal method used in analyzing programs by approximating their behavior over all possible inputs. It focuses on identifying program properties such as safety or termination.
Model checking: Another approach in formal code analysis that exhaustively explores all possible states of a system to verify if it meets desired specifications, such as absence of deadlocks or violations of safety properties.