The author passionately defends the value of formal methods in software engineering, declaring them essential for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. They challenge the misconception that formal methods are costly and time-consuming, highlighting the significant benefits they offer in terms of reducing rework and facilitating change. The author emphasizes that while formal methods may not be suitable for all types of software, they are crucial for large-scale, distributed, and low-level systems with well-understood requirements. They advocate for the use of tools like TLA+ and P to think through designs quickly and concretely before building, ultimately leading to faster and more optimal software development.
https://brooker.co.za/blog/2024/04/17/formal