Composable semantics for model-based notations

We propose a unifying framework for model-based specification notations. Our framework captures the execution semantics that are common among model-based notations, and leaves the distinct elements to be defined by a set of parameters. The basic components of a specification are non-concurrent state-transition machines, which are combinedby composition operators to form more complex, concurrent specifications. We define the step-semantics of these basic components in terms of an operational semantics template whose parameters specialize both the enabling of transitions and transitions' effects. We also provide the operational semantics of seven composition operators, defining each as the concurrent execution of components, with changesto their shared variables and events to reflect inter-component communication and synchronization; the definitions of these operators use the template parameters to preserve in composition notation-specific behaviour. By separating a notation's...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2002
• Where: SIGSOFT
• Authors: Jianwei Niu, Joanne M. Atlee, Nancy A. Day
• Keywords: Model-based Specification Notations, Operational Semantics, Semantics General Terms, SIGSOFT 2002, Software Engineering