The Rigorous Development of a System Version Control Program

A rigorous approach to software development is followed in developing a program to control the various components and versions of systems. This particular approach to systematic program development is known as the Vienna Development Method (VDM). This paper documerits the author´s early experiences with VDM on a small, yet nontrivial, application. The functional specification of the version control system is presented in detail. Design decisions taken for a prototype implementation are also included. The version control program developed is based upon the Gandalf System Version Control Environment of Carnegie-Mellon University. Both that system and the subject of this case study support the most common forms of component interdependency relations, and methods of system evolution.