Rapid prototyping using executable requirements specifications

This paper describes a software tool, called the Feature Simulator, that "executes" formally written requirements specifications for real-time systems and enables users to "interact" with the simulated product at the completion of the requirements specification phase of the software life-cycle. This tool thus produces an early and rapid prototype with which customers, designers, and managers can verify that the product meets their needs and expectations. Any deficiencies that they find can then be corrected by inexpensive changes to the product's requirements specification, rather than by more costly modifications to the final product.