Formal specification and analysis of software architectures using the chemical abstract machine model

We are exploring an approach to formally specifying and analyzing software architectures that is based on viewing software systems as chemicals whose reactions are controlled by explicitly stated rules. This powerful metaphor was devised in the domain of theoretical computer science by Bana/spl circ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on software engineering 1995-04, Vol.21 (4), p.373-386
Main Authors: Inverardi, P., Wolf, A.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Architecture
Chemical analysis
Computational modeling
Computer architecture
Computer science
Computer science
control theory
systems
Exact sciences and technology
Formal specifications
Mathematical models
Modular construction
Power system modeling
Semantics
Software
Software architecture
Software engineering
Software systems
Specifications
Studies
Systems development
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Summary:We are exploring an approach to formally specifying and analyzing software architectures that is based on viewing software systems as chemicals whose reactions are controlled by explicitly stated rules. This powerful metaphor was devised in the domain of theoretical computer science by Bana/spl circ/tre and Le Me/spl acute/tayer (1990) and then reformulated as the CHAM (CHemical Abstract Machine) by Berry and Boudol (1992). The CHAM formalism provides a framework for developing operational specifications that does not bias the described system toward any particular computational model. It also encourages the construction and use of modular specifications at different levels of detail. We illustrate the use of the CHAM for architectural description and analysis by applying it to two different architectures for a simple but familiar software system, the multiphase compiler.< >
ISSN:0098-5589
1939-3520
DOI:10.1109/32.385973