An environment for the execution and graphical animation of JSD specifications

The authors describe a tool for verifying the functional behaviour of specifications, built using the Jackson System Development (JSD) method, by executing them and displaying the execution as animated graphics. Using such a tool it is possible to build a specification incrementally, verifying it after each increment. It is believed that the tool has potential for facilitating communicating of a specification between analysts and as a vehicle for enhancing analysts´ understanding of the method. The work reported is being carried out as part of an Alvey software engineering project called Analyst Assist. The aim is to develop a knowledge-based environment for supporting analysts in the elicitation, specification and validation of requirements