Developmental Studies on Software Development Environment Based on Algebraic Specification Method

本课题的研究目的是建立基于代数规范方法的软件环境的技术基础。具体的研究课题有：(1)开发易于使用的代数规范语言；(2)优化代数规范的直接实现系统；(3)设计集成的代数规范编写编辑器；(4)构建智能规范数据库，实现规范和程序的重用。研究结果如下：(1)设计并实现了基于层次代数规范的数据类型声明语言UltraC。，开发了编译器。该编译器可以单独编译代数规范模块，从而有效地执行软件开发过程。(2)开发了代数规范的直接实现系统Cdimple。该系统将代数规范转换为C语言程序。Cdimple生成的程序运行速度足以用于原型设计。Cdimple现在得到了改进，以便生成的程序接受命令来更新给定的规范并模拟更新后的规范。(3)设计了一个编写代数规范的前端系统，但目前正在开发中。(4)开发了验证规格的工具。它是基于结构归纳方案。该工具可用于实现规范数据库的检索过程。上述工具将在通过代数方法开发软件开发环境中发挥重要作用。开发工具的经验表明，要将软件开发的代数方法应用到实际中，应该做些什么。

The purpose of this research project is to establish technical foundation of software environment based on algebraic specification method. Specific research topics are (1) developing an algebraic specification language easy to use, (2) optimizing the direct implementation system of algebraic specifications, (3) designing an integrated editor for writing algebraic specifications, and (4) constructing intelligent data base of specifications which enable to reuse specifications and programs.The results of the researches are as follows: (1) The procedural programming language UltraC which allows to declare data types by hierarchical algebraic specifications is designed and implemented,i.e., the compiler is developed. The compiler can compile algebraic specification modules separatedly, thereby software developing process is efficiently executed.(2) The direct implementation system of algebraic specifications, called Cdimple, is developed. the system transforms algebraic specifications to C language programs. The programs generated by Cdimple run fast sufficiently for the purpose of prototyping. Cdimple is now improved so that thegenerated program accepts commands to update the given specification and simulates the updated specification.(3) A front-end system for writing algebraic specifications is designed, but it is now under development.(4) A tool for verifying specifications is developed. it is based on structural induction scheme. The tool can be used to implement retrieving procedure of specification data base.The tools mentioned above will play important roles in developing software development environment through the algebraic approach. Experience of developing the tools makes clear what should be done to put algebraic method of software development to practical use.