An environment for the execution and graphical animation of JSD specifications

The authors describe a tool for verifying the functional behaviour of specifications, built using the Jackson System Development (JSD) method, by executing them and displaying the execution as animated graphics. Using such a tool it is possible to build a specification incrementally, verifying it after each increment. It is believed that the tool has potential for facilitating communicating of a specification between analysts and as a vehicle for enhancing analysts' understanding of the method. The work reported is being carried out as part of an Alvey software engineering project called Analyst Assist. The aim is to develop a knowledge-based environment for supporting analysts in the elicitation, specification and validation of requirements.