The object-Z specification language. (English) Zbl 0944.68124

Smith, Graeme

Advances in formal methods. 1. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers. xiii, 146 p. Dfl 255.00; $ 110.00; £76.00 (2000).

The specification language Z is extended to the language Object-Z in such a manner that the elements of object-oriented systems: class, inheritance and polymorhism can be formulated and used in the sp ecification. This makes the specification-implemention job easier for such systems. The book contains a motivating introduction with an instructive example. The following chapter explainins the extension of the semantic basis. Chapter 3 introduces and discusses carefully all the new elements of the syntax of Object-Z. Chapter 4 is intended as a reference manual for the language. Elements for the specification of real-life object-oriented systems, with concurrently working objects, are discussed in chapter 5. The complete concrete syntax of the new specification language is to be found, in a BNF-manner, at the end.
The language, described by this book, represents a necessary step with respect to one of the main goals of software-engineering, to express the effect of modern systems adequately by specifications before the systems are implemented.

Reviewer: G.Winkler (Friedrichsdorf)

MSC:

68Q60	Specification and verification (program logics, model checking, etc.)
68N15	Theory of programming languages
68-02	Research exposition (monographs, survey articles) pertaining to computer science

Keywords:

specification language object-Z; concurrent systems; formal specification of objectoriented systems