A method of input-output conditions for automatic program generation using Petri nets

Since the 1980's, object oriented programming and structured programming have been required for increased software productivity. Under these circumstances, interest of studies for automatic program generation such as (Module Aided Programming system by Prolog) MAPP has been increased. The system uses specifications written in easily understood language, and data structures with customized target objects using the generic Prolog module library. During program generation, MAPP tries to compensate for any missing specifications which are not completely described using input and output conditions of modules. But such an input-output conditions check has been carried out empirically, and its effectiveness has not been proved. In this paper, a method using Petri nets is proposed to apply to the input-output conditions check of MAPP modules. The method is effective to obtain mathematical backgrounds since the reachability of Petri nets is analyzable using state equation, algebraic equation, and incidence matrices.