A Theory of Discrete Event Systems as a Foundation for Component-Based Software Engineering/Une théorie des systèmes à événements discrets comme base à l'ingénierie du logiciel

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There are two ways to consider programming: as an art and as a science. The latter way cannot be done without theories, in particular when the component-based software development approach is used to cope with the complexity of modern software systems, which are built by assembling reusable components. Since control constitutes an important part of a component, it is natural to apply the principle of separation of concerns, such that control explicitly appears, and exploit a control theory to solve the underlying control problems. Therefore, the ever-increasing influence of formal methods combined with software evolution requires reexamining current component models and hierarchical control theories to provide better tools for system developers. In this perspective, the main goal of this research program is to develop formal methods to lay foundations for a new theoretical framework for component-based software engineering, which will be centered around mathematically-based control theories, with applications in service-oriented computing and networks of autonomous agents. The main obstacle is to find formal component models and hierarchical control theories that perfectly fit in order to keep the balance between theory and practice. This research will contribute to make formal methods more scalable to real software applications and increase safety, security and quality of service in software solutions.