Specification of Software Systems (Texts in Computer Science) [Hardcover]

V.S. Alagar (Author), K. Periyasamy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0387984305 | ISBN-13: 978-0387984308 | Edition: 1

This book provides an introduction to program specification, illustrating the advantages it confers upon the software development process. Covering all three major specification languages (Larch, VDM, and Z), the book discusses specification in general, the abstraction process, the mathematical tools required, and the main formal methods.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Recent advances in software specification methods, model checking, and theorem proving have generated new tools for the use of formal methods in both industry and academia. Yet, in order to choose the techniques most appropriate for a specific application, it is necessary to have a good understanding and expertise in formal methods. Software engineers now have several case studies to learn from, and are able to choose from a large selection of languages and methods, with a rich repertoire of appropriate concepts for their intended applications. This extensively revised and updated new edition of Specification of Software Systems builds upon the original focus on software specification with added emphasis on the practice of formal methods for specification and verification activities for different types of software systems and at different stages of developing software systems. This expanded perspective is matched by a considerable amount of new content, included to cater to the growing needs of students and researchers in the area of formal software engineering. Topics related to the integration of formal methods in the software development process are introduced early, and are followed by presentations of principles of abstraction, definitions of formalism, notations of formalism, and a wide variety of detailed specification examples. This additional material is further reflected in the new structure of the second edition, which is now arranged in six parts. Topics and features: Provides a wide coverage of formal specification techniques and a clear writing style, supported by end-of-chapter bibliographic notes for further readingPresents a logical structure, with sections devoted to specification fundamentals, basics of formalism, logic, set theory and relations, property-oriented specification methods, and model-based specification techniques (NEW)Contains end-of-chapter exercises and numerous case studies, with potential course outlines suggested in the PrefaceCovers Object-Z, B-Method, and Calculus of Communicating Systems (NEW)Offers material that can be taught with tool-supported laboratory projectsThis comprehensive textbook is essential reading for students at all levels in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, and information systems engineering. Software professionals wishing to familiarize themselves with formal methods will also find this an invaluable reference. Dr. V.S. Alagar is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering of Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. Dr. K. Periyasamy is a full Professor at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, USA. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Dr. V.S. Alagar is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering of Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. Dr. K. Periyasamy is a full Professor at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, USA. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 442 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (September 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387984305
• ISBN-13: 978-0387984308
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,442,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive reference book, March 12, 2001

By 

"wanjiew" (Ottawa, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Specification of Software Systems (Texts in Computer Science) (Hardcover)

This is a well-written book, which provides a comprehensive knowledge in both breadth and depth for formal specification. Even it is a graduate level textbook. I found it's also a very useful reference book for the professionals who work on formal specification area or want to get the understanding of formal specification concepts. Most of the topics have been covered with abundant materials. Especially, the rich examples have provided a way to better understand how to apply different methods of specification in the actual systems. Some concepts mentioned in the book can be used in design and code inspection process to eliminate the potential issues in the later coding and verification testing stages. I highly recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a good book., March 8, 2001

By 

D.Z (Montreal,Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Specification of Software Systems (Texts in Computer Science) (Hardcover)

This book gives the theoretical explanation and practical application for formal specification.By reading the book, I understood the signification & advantage of the use of formal specification. In addition, by exercise with the three given specification languages (Larch, VDM, and Z) in the book, I learnt its application in software engineering. The book provides related knowledge of formal method as well.

In one word, this book gives a good introduction of formal specification. I use it as my guide for software specification and system design.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars provides comprehensive knowledge, March 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Specification of Software Systems (Texts in Computer Science) (Hardcover)

It provides comprehensive knowledge about formal specification. Though it is a graduate level textbook, it contains information to satisfy the hunger of many curious readers. Nicely utilized in the case studies. Highly recommended.