Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
1991
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Computer Science
First Advisor
Albert L. Baker
Abstract
Specifications define systems. The definition of a system can be stated casually or formally. A formal specification is a mathematically precise definition of software functionality. Informal specifications are less precise definitions of software functionality. The benefits of formal specifications are clear. Arguments against the use of formal specifications have been refuted;Several formal specification techniques are available for specifying imperative programs, e.g., Z, VDM, and SPECS. Most specification techniques for distributed/concurrent systems concentrate on low level issues, e.g., deadlock and synchronization;Structured Analysis (SA) specifications are a popular informal specification technique, but they lack a rigorous mathematical semantics. SA specifications are based on a graphical syntax with little underlying formal structure. In this thesis, we identify and formalize those underlying structures that are represented informally, provide a formal definition of a SA specification, develop formal interpretations for those components of SA specifications that are subject to varying interpretation, and define an operational semantics for animating SA specifications. The resulting formalized SA specifications are mathematically precise and can be used to specify distributed/concurrent systems.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/rtd-180813-9275
Publisher
Digital Repository @ Iowa State University, http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/
Copyright Owner
David L. Coleman
Copyright Date
1991
Language
en
Proquest ID
AAI9212136
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
256 pages
Recommended Citation
Coleman, David L., "Formalized structured analysis specifications " (1991). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 9634.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/9634