Using object-oriented development to support prototyping

The authors describe a project in which semiformal software development methods were used in parallel with a prototyping effort to develop a real-time monitor and control computer system. The prototype was used to define and clarify the requirements for the system. The semiformal approach was used to capture and document those requirements. The resulting description of the system was then used to migrate the prototype to a first-version production system. The combined approach helped to overcome many of the problems typically associated with prototyping alone. This project was also used as a vehicle for technology transfer. Owing to constraints in the local environment, the approach to technology transfer used differed substantially from those typically described in the literature. The development and technology efforts and the lessons learned from each are described