Formal methods and design extraction: a pilot study

Abstract

In this paper we show, using a small example, how a formal description can be generated from existing informal documents. The aim is to illustrate the possibilities and limitations of using CCS and the concurrency workbench within the context of teaching software maintenance. We consider the conversion of systems described using programs and informal specifications into CCS processes. The testing of the CCS specifications using modal-μ logic formulae is described; and the process of testing can be simplified by providing the tester with suitable macros. The advantage of using CCS and the concurrency workbench is that one can automate the entire testing process; the disadvantage is that one can consider only small restricted sub-systems.