Integrating tools for practical software analysis

Abstract. The lack of integration between prototype implementations of results of research (“tools”) blocks progress toward direct application of formal methods research in software engineering settings. We survey a host of tools, examining how their integration would increase their power and benefit future research and application. Based on this analysis, we describe a hypothetical and idealized Tool Integration Package (TIP). A TIP has two goals: first, it accelerates the research process by providing a range of tools in an integrated setting; and second, it serves as a readyto-use tool for application in industry.