PRISM
What it is
PRISM is a probabilistic model checker for formally analysing systems that include random or probabilistic behaviour. It supports discrete-time and continuous-time Markov chains, Markov decision processes, probabilistic automata, probabilistic timed automata, partially observable models, and interval models. Costs and rewards can be added to supported models. Its property language includes PCTL, CSL, LTL, and PCTL*, plus quantitative and cost/reward extensions. Analysis options include symbolic methods based on BDDs and MTBDDs, discrete-event simulation for approximate or statistical checking, quantitative abstraction refinement, and symmetry reduction. Version 4.10.1 supports UMB import and export, imports POMDPs from explicit files, and can optionally exchange initial-state data through a .tra file. PRISM is free and open source under the GNU General Public License, version 2, and is known to run on Linux, Windows, and macOS in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It requires Java 11 or later; binary distributions need the Java Runtime Environment. Support resources include a FAQ, manual, forum, and GitHub issue tracker.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under GPL version 2
- Supports multiple probabilistic model types
- Includes symbolic and simulation analysis methods
- Runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS
- Supports counterexamples
Against
- Requires Java 11 or later
- Binary distributions require the Java Runtime Environment
The verdict
PRISM provides a broad set of probabilistic models and analysis methods at no cost. Its Java prerequisite and formal modelling focus are key considerations for prospective users.
Who it suits
PRISM suits people formally modelling systems with probabilistic behaviour, including those working with its supported model types and property languages. Users need Java 11 or later to run it.
Plans and prices
PRISM
Free and open source · GNU General Public License, version 2
Read 7 Oct 2026 · prismmodelchecker.org
On the record
- Analysis methods
- PRISM includes BDD and MTBDD based symbolic algorithms, discrete-event simulation for approximate or statistical model checking, quantitative abstraction refinement, and symmetry reduction.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- PRISM is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Import and export
- Version 4.10.1 supports import and export using UMB format, imports POMDPs from explicit files, and can optionally export or import initial state information via a .tra file.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- The download page lists version 4.10.1, first released on 2 April 2026.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maintainers
- The site says PRISM was created and is actively maintained by Dave Parker, Gethin Norman, and Marta Kwiatkowska, with development currently led from Oxford by Dave Parker.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Model types
- It supports discrete-time and continuous-time Markov chains, Markov decision processes, probabilistic automata, probabilistic timed automata, partially observable models, and interval models.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Prerequisite
- Running PRISM requires Java version 11 or above; binary distributions require the Java Runtime Environment.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PRISM is a probabilistic model checker for formal modelling and analysis of systems with random or probabilistic behaviour.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Rewards and costs
- PRISM supports extensions of its models with costs and rewards.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security use cases
- The case studies include analysis of security-related systems, including contract signing, anonymity, threats and attacks, and quantum cryptography protocols.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Specifications
- Its property specification language incorporates PCTL, CSL, LTL, and PCTL*, as well as quantitative and costs/rewards extensions.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its FAQ and manual, and invites other questions, feedback, bug reports, and feature requests through its forum or GitHub issue tracker.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The site says PRISM is known to run on Linux, Windows, and macOS, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.prismmodelchecker.org · read 7 Oct 2026
