NuSMV
What it is
NuSMV is a free, open-source tool for formally verifying finite state systems. It checks systems against CTL specifications and supports LTL and PSL model checking. NuSMV 2 combines BDD-based model checking with SAT-based bounded model checking. Its input language supports modular, hierarchical descriptions, reusable components, and finite data types such as booleans, scalars, bit vectors, and fixed arrays. The feature set includes an interactive text shell, invariant analysis, partitioning methods, and connections between its SAT-based component and the Minisat SAT solver. The project describes NuSMV as a tool for industrial design verification, a basis for custom verification tools, and a testbed for formal verification and related research. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and is distributed under the LGPL v2.1 license. The project directs general questions and bug reports to its users mailing list and maintains a separate announcements list. Its FAQ notes that processes are deprecated because they can behave incorrectly with relational constructs such as TRANS, INIT, or INVAR. The privacy policy says downloads may collect an IP address and timestamp, retained for one year.
For and against
For
- Checks CTL specifications and supports LTL and PSL.
- Combines BDD and SAT-based model checking.
- Supports reusable components and finite data types.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Open source under LGPL v2.1.
Against
- Processes are deprecated due to possible relational-construct errors.
- The FAQ says there is no developer-extending tutorial.
- Downloads may retain IP address and timestamp for one year.
The verdict
NuSMV brings several model-checking approaches and a flexible input language to finite-state verification. Users should account for the deprecated process feature and the project’s stated download data retention.
Who it suits
NuSMV suits engineers verifying finite state systems and researchers exploring formal verification methods. Its stated uses also include building custom verification tools for industrial designs.
Plans and prices
NuSMV v2
Open source · LGPL v2.1
Read 7 Oct 2026 · nusmv.fbk.eu
On the record
- Additional features
- Features include an interactive text shell, invariant analysis, partitioning methods, LTL model checking, PSL model checking, and SAT based bounded model checking.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The project says NuSMV is designed for verifying industrial designs, serving as a core for custom verification tools, and as a testbed for formal verification techniques and other research areas.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Developer guidance
- The FAQ says there is currently no tutorial for developers extending NuSMV, though users may email questions.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Download privacy
- The privacy policy says downloads may collect an IP address and timestamp, which are retained for one year; it also describes encryption, access controls, and access logging as safeguards.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- NuSMV2's SAT based component can connect to the Minisat SAT solver, and the project describes cooperation to integrate NuSMV into ICS's SCL Visual Modeler.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- License
- NuSMV v2 is open source software distributed under the LGPL v2.1 license.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Model checking
- NuSMV 2 combines BDD based model checking with SAT based bounded model checking.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Modeling limitation
- The FAQ says processes are deprecated because they can behave incorrectly with relational constructs such as TRANS, INIT, or INVAR.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Model language
- Its input language supports modular hierarchical descriptions, reusable components, and finite data types including booleans, scalars, bit vectors, and fixed arrays.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- NuSMV is a software tool for formally verifying finite state systems.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Specifications
- It checks finite state systems against CTL specifications and supports LTL and PSL model checking.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs general questions and bug reports to its users mailing list and provides a separate list for announcements.nusmv.fbk.eu · read 7 Oct 2026
