Accession Number:

ADA235923

Title:

A Comparative Assessment of System Description Methodologies and Formal Specification Languages

Descriptive Note:

Final technical rept. Sep 1989-Sep 1990

Corporate Author:

CALIFORNIA UNIV LOS ANGELES DEPT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Personal Author(s):

• Avizienis, Algirdas
• Wu, Chi-Sharn

Report Date:

1991-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

62.0

Abstract:

A classification of formal specification techniques which is useful for the comparative assessment of computer systems is presented. In this classification, formal specification techniques are grouped into three approaches operational, definitional and hybrid. Depending on whether data abstraction or sequencing is emphasized, the operational and definitional approaches both can be further partitioned into two schools data paradigm and process paradigm. Five categories are identified, and some representative formal specification techniques in each category are surveyed. A comparative assessment over these specification techniques is given based on a set of criteria, such as usability, verifiability, support for nonfunctional requirements, etc. Our experience in using formal specification techniques are discussed. A real time extension of the VDM method, designated RT-VDM, is presented as the most promising approach for further study. Additional recommendations for further study are also made.

Descriptors:

• *COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
• *PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
• REAL TIME
• SPECIFICATIONS
• LANGUAGE
• PARALLEL PROCESSING
• SCHOOLS
• METHODOLOGY
• COMPUTERS

Subject Categories:

• Computer Programming and Software
• Computer Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE