Trace Specifications: Methodology and Models

The authors summarize the trace specification language and present the trace specification methodology: a set of heuristics designed to make the reading and writing of complex specifications manageable. Also described is a technique for constructing formal, executable models from specifications written using the methodology. These models are useful as proof of specification consistency and as executable prototypes. Fully worked examples of the methodology and the model building techniques are included. >

[1]  Daniel Malcolm Hoffman.  Trace specification of communications protocols (software engineering, formal specification) , 1984 .

[2]  Robert S. Boyer,et al.  Proving Theorems about LISP Functions , 1973, JACM.

[3]  David Lorge Parnas,et al.  Using assertions about traces to write abstract specifications for software modules , 1978, ECI.

[4]  David Lorge Parnas,et al.  A rational design process: How and why to fake it , 1986, IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering.

[5]  Ellis Horowitz,et al.  Abstract data types and software validation , 1978, CACM.

[6]  Rod M. Burstall,et al.  HOPE: An experimental applicative language , 1980, LISP Conference.

[7]  Daniel Hoffman.  The trace specification of communications protocols , 1985, IEEE Transactions on Computers.

[8]  Daniel Schwabe,et al.  Specification and Verification of Communication Protocols in AFFIRM Using State Transition Models , 1982, IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering.

[9]  John V. Guttag,et al.  Notes on Type Abstraction (Version 2) , 1980, IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering.

[10]  David M. Weiss,et al.  Executing Trace Specifications Using Prolog. , 1986 .

[11]  William F. Clocksin,et al.  Programming in Prolog , 1987, Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

[12]  James J. Horning,et al.  Formal specification as a design tool , 1980, POPL '80.

[13]  John V. Guttag,et al.  Notes on Type Abstraction , 1978, Program Construction.

[14]  D. R. Ditzel,et al.  Mask and format: operators for editing and formatting , 1977, SIGP.

[15]  Narain H. Gehani,et al.  Specifications: Formal and informal—a case study , 1982, Softw. Pract. Exp..

[16]  W. F. Burger,et al.  Gypsy: A language for specification and implementation of verifiable programs , 1977, Language Design for Reliable Software.

[17]  John McLean,et al.  A Formal Method for the Abstract Specification of Software , 1984, JACM.