CoFI: The Common Framework Initiative for Algebraic Specification and Development

Abstract

An open collaborative effort has been initiated: to design a<br />common framework for algebraic specification and development of software. The rationale behind this initiative is that the lack of such a common framework greatly hinders the dissemination and application of research<br />results in algebraic specification. In particular, the proliferation<br />of specification languages, some differing in only quite minor ways from each other, is a considerable obstacle for the use of algebraic methods in industrial contexts, making it difficult to exploit standard examples, case studies and training material. A common framework with widespread acceptance<br />throughout the research community is urgently needed.<br />The aim is to base the common framework as much as possible on a critical selection of features that have already been explored in various contexts. The common framework will provide a family of specification<br />languages at different levels: a central, reasonably expressive language, called CASL, for specifying (requirements, design, and architecture of) conventional software; restrictions of CASL to simpler languages, for use primarily in connection with prototyping and verification tools; and extensions<br />of CASL, oriented towards particular programming paradigms,<br />such as reactive systems and object-based systems. It should also be possible<br />to embed many existing algebraic specification languages in members of the CASL family. A tentative design for CASL has already been proposed. Task groups<br />are studying its formal semantics, tool support, methodology, and other aspects, in preparation for the finalization of the design.