Title :
Sound methods and effective tools for engineering modeling and analysis
Author :
Coppit, David ; Sullivan, Kevin J.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Comput. Sci., Coll. of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
Abstract :
Modeling and analysis is indispensable in engineering. To be safe and effective, a modeling method requires a language with a validated semantics; feature-rich, easy-to-use, dependable tools; and low engineering costs. Today we lack adequate means to develop such methods. We present a partial solution combining two techniques: formal methods for language design, and package-oriented programming for function and usability at low cost. We have evaluated the approach in an end-to-end experiment. We deployed an existing reliability method to NASA in a package-oriented tool and surveyed engineers to assess its usability. We formally specified, improved, and validated the language. To assess cost, we built a package-based tool for the new language. Our data show that the approach can enable cost-effective deployment of sound methods by effective tools.
Keywords :
formal specification; program verification; programming language semantics; software tools; formal methods; formal specification; package-oriented programming; package-oriented tool; program verification; programming language semantics; Acoustical engineering; Computer science; Cost function; Design engineering; Educational institutions; Functional programming; NASA; Packaging; Reliability engineering; Usability;
Conference_Titel :
Software Engineering, 2003. Proceedings. 25th International Conference on
Print_ISBN :
0-7695-1877-X
DOI :
10.1109/ICSE.2003.1201200