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Formal specification and design. (English) Zbl 0774.68082

Cambridge Tracts in Theoretical Computer Science. 35. Cambridge: Univ. Press. XVI, 335 p. (1992).
Formal specification and design techniques including both algebraic and state-based specifications are presented. A subset of the common object- oriented language for design (COLD-\(K\)) is used [H. B. M. Jonkers. An introduction to Cold-\(K\). In: M. Wirsing, J. A. Bergstra (eds.), Algebraic Methods: Theory, Tools and Application, Springer-Verlag, 139- 205 (1989; Zbl 0745.68019)] as a vehicle throughout the book. The book is divided into three parts. The first part is concerned with algebraic specifications, the second part with state-based specifications. Both parts are arranged in the uniform way and deal with setting up, structuring and implementing of algebraic/state-based specifications. Different topics are collected into third part, namely proofs and theoretical aspects of specifications, additional constructs of the language COLD-\(K\), and samples and their implementation. It is shown how algebraic specification techniques can be effectively used in the software development process. Fundamental techniques such as initial algebra semantics, loose semantics, partial functions, binding, sharing, predicate and dynamic logic, abstraction functions, representation and correctness issues, and Horn logic are presented in the book. The material is presented in an original point of view directed towards software engineering and programming languages. Thus the book may be useful for a reader familiar with formal specifications and programming. According to the authors, the book is developed from the course material for post-graduate students given at the Technical University of Eindhoven and at the University of Nijmegen.
Reviewer: G.Grigas (Vilnius)

MSC:

68Q65 Abstract data types; algebraic specification
68-02 Research exposition (monographs, survey articles) pertaining to computer science

Citations:

Zbl 0745.68019
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