Querying of executable software specifications

The availability of executable specification languages allows testing to be carried out soon after or concurrently with the requirements specification phase. In addition, it becomes possible to use these languages for rapid prototyping, making it possible to gather information on properties of the specified target system including its behavior in response to external events. The inspection of software behavior is viewed as the querying of executable specifications. A language RSQ is defined for the purpose of constructing queries against executable specifications expressed in RSF, a language for the description of systems with time constraints. A query is able to single out a subclass of possible behaviors based on properties supplied by the query. The integration of RSQ with RSF enhances the analytical abilities of the software designer and developer