Formal Analysis

Definition ∞ This involves the rigorous application of mathematical and logical principles to verify the correctness and security of systems or protocols. It uses formal methods to demonstrate properties such as absence of bugs or adherence to specifications. Such analysis provides a high degree of assurance regarding system behavior.
Context ∞ ‘Formal Analysis’ is increasingly discussed in the context of smart contract auditing and blockchain protocol verification. News reports may highlight instances where formal analysis identified critical vulnerabilities before they could be exploited, underscoring its importance for system integrity. Understanding the role and outcomes of formal analysis is key to assessing the security and trustworthiness of decentralized technologies.