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B is a tool-supported formal method based around AMN (Abstract Machine Notation), used in the development of computer software. It was originally developed by Jean-Raymond Abrial in France and the UK. B is related to the Z notation (also originated by Abrial) and supports development of programming language code from specifications. B has been used in major safety-critical system applications in Europe (such as the Paris Métro Line 14), and is attracting increasing interest in industry. It has robust, commercially available tool support for specification, design, proof and code generation.

The method of software development based on B is known as the B-Method.

Compared to Z, B is slightly more low-level and more focused on refinement to code rather than just formal specification – hence it is easier to implement a specification written in B correctly than one in Z. In particular, there is good tool support for this.

• The B-Book: Assigning Programs to Meanings, Jean-Raymond Abrial, Cambridge University Press, 1996. ISBN 0-521-49619-5.
• The B-Method: An Introduction, Steve Schneider, Palgrave, Cornerstones of Computing series, 2001. ISBN 0-333-79284-X.
• Software Engineering with B, John Wordsworth, Addison Wesley Longman, 1996. ISBN 0-201-40356-0.
• The B Language and Method: A Guide to Practical Formal Development, Kevin Lano, Springer-Verlag, FACIT series, 1996. ISBN 3-540-76033-4.
• Specification in B: An Introduction using the B Toolkit, Kevin Lano, World Scientific Publishing Company, Imperial College Press, 1996. ISBN 1-86094-008-0.

• Abstract Machine Notation (AMN), the notation used by the B-Method
• Z notation, a similar formal specification notation
• Jean-Raymond Abrial, progenitor of the B-Method
• Paris Métro Line 14, a project that used the B-Method

• The B-Method in the Virtual Library formal methods pages
• Atelier B tool
• B-Core (UK) Ltd
• Site B Grenoble
• B4free free tools
• ABTOOLS ABTools a free B Tool
• Rodin event-B open source platform
• ProB Animator and Model Checker
• jbtools Parser and Editor for B

This article was originally based on material from the Free On-line Dictionary of Computing, which is licensed under the GFDL.

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