Using a formal method to model software design in XP projects

Abstract

A software engineer depends on an established best practice toolbox in order to build quality products. Extreme programmings practices tear away many well known techniques to aid developer efficiency; however this can mean that a project is poorly documented. This is a particular problem in our taught courses where all the developers leave on a yearly basis! Extreme X-Machines are a formal model that we have successfully introduced as a documentation method. As a lightweight and change resistant method it is easy to use, but it is also formalised allowing for a succinct and accurate representation of a software system. We have found that the developers benefit from both the description that they make of the software and any that are supplied as documentation during maintenance projects