Formal verification is a process of checking the correctness of a software program or smart contract by using mathematical and logical methods. It involves analyzing the code and proving that it meets certain specifications and requirements.
This technique is widely used in the blockchain industry to ensure that smart contracts are secure and free from vulnerabilities. Formal verification provides a high level of assurance that the code will work as intended and that it is resistant to attacks and exploits.
One advantage of formal verification is that it can detect issues and errors that traditional testing methods may miss. It can also help to reduce the risk of security breaches and fraud.
However, formal verification is a complex and time-consuming process that requires specialized skills and expertise. As a result, it may not be suitable for all projects or applications.
Examples of projects that use formal verification include the Cardano blockchain and the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade. By using formal verification, these projects aim to increase the security and reliability of their systems and prevent potential issues from arising.