Abstract

ABSTRACT: The formulation and analysis of a design specification is almost always of more utility than the verification of the consistency of a program with its specification. Good specification tools can assist in this process, but have generally not been proposed and evaluated in this light. In this paper we outline a specification language combining algebraic axioms and predicate transformers, present part of a non-trivial example (the specification of a high-level interface to a display), and finally discuss the analysis of this specification. Introtltrction There are at least three distinct concerns in the software development process: 1) Developing an intuitive understanding of the problem to be solved. This should involve extensive discussions with members of the anticipated user community, and an examination of any existing software or manual procedures designed to deal with similar problems. 2) Designing a system intended to SOIVCthat problcm. This may involve multiple iterations, in which partial designs are proposed and carefully analyzed for consistency, completeness, and conformance with intuition. 3) Programming an implementation of the design. This may also involve multiple iterations, in which portions of the program are developed and carefully analyzed for legality, efficiency, and conformance with the design.

Citations