Developing a Web Dictionary System Using the SOFL Three-Step Specification Approach

In component based developments, precise specifications and rigorous verifications strongly support to prevent unexpected failures caused by software components. For developing an application with third-party software components, formal methods provide effective ways to ensure the software quality. In this paper, we describe a development of web based dictionary system by connecting with several online resources, and how it is developed by using SOFL: a formal specification language and method. The requirements analysis is carried out by means of writing an informal specification and then refining into a semi-formal specification. The design specification is formally constructed using the formalized Data Flow Diagrams and the associated modules. We also discuss the implementation of the system and explain the details of a testing conducted for the quality assurance of the system.