Software Specification Methods provides the formal methods practitioner with a survey of the key software specification methods. Each technique is demonstrated using the same case study, an invoicing system, to enable the reader to compare and contrast easily. Among the techniques covered are: UML; Z; SAZ; B; JSD; OMT; VHDL; Estelle; SDL; LOTOS. This book is intended for industrial and commercial practitioners who need to expand their knowledge of software specification methods. This book provides a basic overview of the main methods, with a practical focus which allows readers to apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

Inhalt

Part I: State-Based Approaches 1. Z: A Formal Specification Notation.- 2. SAZ: SSADM Version 4 and Z.- 3. B: A Model-Based Method Using Generalized Substitutions.- 4. From OMT Diagrams to B Specifications.- Part II: Event-Based Approaches 5. Action Systems: A Method Combining State-Based and Event-Based Specification.- 6. Using UML with a Behaviour-Driven Method.- 7. VHDL: A Hardware Description Language and its Simulation Semantics.- 8. Estelle: A Formal Description Technique.- 9. SDL: A Specification and Description Language Based on an Extended Finite State Machine Model with Abstract Data Types.- 10. (E-)LOTOS: (Enhanced) Language of Temporal Ordering Specification.- 11. Specifying a Cleanroom Black Box Using JSD.- Part III: Other Formal Approaches 12. Algebraic Specification in CASL.- 13. Coq: A Constructive Proof System.- 14. Petri Nets: A Graphical Tool for System Modelling and Analysis.- 15. Using Petri Nets and Objects: A Formal Yet Expressive Approach.