A lot has been said about the software crisis. Many see the excuse in Computer Science being too young, however the fact is that scientific software development methods are around for a long time. Next typical excuse is that formal methods are too academic, too difficult and time consuming.
Such reasoning misses the key point about modeling: Model is a simplified abstract view of a complex reality that captures properties of interest - not less, but not necessary more. In other words, not every programming task requires complete mathematical model and rigorous proof of its properties.
This is where lightweight formal methods have to play, we believe, outstanding role: They allow modeling and checking just enough with just reasonable effort. We ought to bring this message to software engineering masses and lead this approach to success!
We prefer Vienna Development Method (VDM) over others, because it is recognized as an international standard, is very close to modern functional programing languages and provides integrated development experience with the Overture Tool.
P.S. "Metaphor" stands for pronunciation of Meta-IV - the name of the original VDM specification language.
P.P.S. Mu at the logo of Metaphor Engineering is the Greek alphabet letter next to lambda - the symbol of functional programming.
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