A few challenges for static program analysis by abstract interpretation are finally briefly discussed.

Additionally, in the electronic version of the paper, we additionally compare static program analysis with deductive methods, model-checking and type inference. Their foundational ideas are briefly reviewed, and the shortcomings of these four methods are discussed, including when they should be combined. Alternatively, since program debugging is still the main program verification method used in the software industry, we suggest to combine formal with informal methods.

Finally, the grand challenge for all formal methods and tools is to solve the software reliability, trustworthiness or robustness problems. A few challenges more specific to static program analysis by abstract interpretation are briefly discussed.

• Published regular version (16p) : .pdf (419.8 KB) for viewing in color with Acrobate Reader;
• The electronic version (32p) includes additional material on static program analysis shortcomings and applications as well as a comparison with other formal methods (typing, model-checking and deductive methods): A4 paper .pdf (571.3 KB) for viewing with Acrobate Reader;
• The extended electronic version (79p) has an extended bibliography: .pdf (1 Mo) for viewing with Acrobate Reader.

\bibitem{Cousot00-LNCS-2000}
P{.} Cousot.
\newblock Abstract Interpretation Based Formal Methods and Future
Challenges.
\newblock In \emph{<<~Informatics --- 10 Years Back, 10 Years Ahead~>>},
R{.} Wilhelm (Ed.).  Lecture Notes in Computer Science Vol{.} 2000, pages
138--156.  Springer-Verlag, 2001.

@incollection{Cousot00-LNCS-2000,
   author =    {Cousot, P{.}},
   title =     {Abstract Interpretation Based Formal Methods and Future 
                Challenges, invited paper},
   booktitle = {<<~Informatics --- 10 Years Back, 10 Years Ahead~>>},
   editor =    {Wilhelm, R{.}},
   year =      {2001},
   series =    {Lecture Notes in Computer Science},
   volume =    2000,
   pages =    {138--156},
   publisher = {Springer-Verlag},
}