A framework for checking behavioral compatibility for component selection

Component selection and composition are the main issues in component-based development (CBD). Existing approaches suffer from the problem that the components retrieved usually do not exactly fit with other components in the system being developed. While formal methods can be used to describe and check semantic characteristics to better match components, there are practical limitations which restrict their adoption. In this paper, we propose a framework to support a semantic description and selection of components. Towards this we first introduce a Simple Component Interface Language (SCIL). SCIL files can be translated to a variety of models including those that have a formal basis. We report our experience with two specific tools, viz., Reactive Modules and Alloy with a view to using tools based on formal methods but without exposing the details of the tools