[rookie1010]

Hi
What does one mean by formal techniques and informal techniques in software engineering?

[nak-1]

Formal Techniques are specific design methodologies as far as I am aware. This allows a level of cetification and validation in industrial level software development that will allow trust in the production of a product and hence financial viability.

A formal technique/method defines certain stages of developement and testing etc. and how the user should approach the problem.

Companies will employ formal techniques or methods so that other companies are more willing to invest money.

Essentially its a corporate/business device to reduce risk exposure.

Therefore an informal technique is anything which is not a formal technique/method.

PS. please excuse the corporate language but it's easiest to explain it that way....

[rookie1010]

thanks dude
now i wont cringe when i come across the formal techniques term.

by the ways, is that your definition, or how your firm describes it.

[nak-1]

Mine.