From Algebras to Objects: Generation and Composition

A. M. Cruz (Sidereus, Consultoria Informática, Portugal)

Luís Soares Barbosa (Di-Cctc, Universidade do Minho, Portugal)

J. N. Oliveira (Di-Cctc, Universidade do Minho, Portugal)

Abstract: This paper addresses objectification, a formal specification technique which inspects the potential for object-orientation of a declarative model and brings the 'implicit objects' explicit. Criteria for such objectification are formalized and implemented in a runnable prototype tool which embeds Vdm-sl into Vdm++. The paper also includes a quick presentation of a (coinductive) calculus of such generated objects, framed as generalised Moore machines.

Keywords: object composition, object­orientation, software formal specification

Categories: D.1.5, D.2.1, D.2.2