This paper describes a systematic way of constructing correct prototypes in a functional language such as Miranda from Z specifications. A formal relationship between Z specifications and functional prototypes is established. This relationship is based on model refinement in the sense of specification refinement in the model-oriented specification style. To reduce the number of proofs required in model refinement, we have defined a set of rules which allow to derive a prototype from a specification. The use of such set of rules implicitly guarantee the correctness of the derivation. Keywords: Formal specification, Functional programming, Prototyping, Refinement.

for being my quest... for showing me the way... Acknowledgments I’d like to thank my advisor, Dr. Jacob Abraham for his invaluable support and guidance through the course of this work. His novel ideas, infectious enthusi-asm and intellectually stimulating discussions kept me motivated and encouraged through the entire course of my Graduate Studies. Thank you Sir, for your firm belief in me. It kept me going in the most trying times. I’d also like to thank my colleague and fellow PhD student, Vinod Viswanath, for his support and assistance through my Masters. His experience, insight, re-sourcefulness, skills and alacrity have been a priceless source of inspiration and and help in obtaining this degree. Without his contribution, I don’t imagine I could have got this far. I’d like to thank Linda, Andrew, Shirley and Ruth for their promptness and efficiency in matters that required their attention. I’d also like to thank my lab-mates for their co-operation. I’d like to thank my friends Siddarth and Kunal, for bringing a lot of joy in my life in the U.S. Lastly, I’d like to thank my parents and sister for making me who I am. v

This paper describes a systematic way of constructing correct prototypes in a functional language such as Miranda or Haskell from Z specifications. A formal relationship between Z specifications and functional prototypes is established. This relationship is based on model refinement in the sense of specification refinement in the model-oriented specification style. To reduce the number of proofs required in model refinement, we have defined a set of rules that allow us to derive a prototype from a specification. The use of such a set of rules implicitly guarantees the correctness of the derivation.