68 research outputs found
Event-B in the Institutional Framework: Defining a Semantics, Modularisation Constructs and Interoperability for a Specification Language
Event-B is an industrial-strength specification language for verifying
the properties of a given system’s specification. It is supported by its
Eclipse-based IDE, Rodin, and uses the process of refinement to model
systems at different levels of abstraction. Although a mature formalism,
Event-B has a number of limitations. In this thesis, we demonstrate that
Event-B lacks formally defined modularisation constructs. Additionally,
interoperability between Event-B and other formalisms has been
achieved in an ad hoc manner. Moreover, although a formal language,
Event-B does not have a formal semantics. We address each of these
limitations in this thesis using the theory of institutions.
The theory of institutions provides a category-theoretic way of representing
a formalism. Formalisms that have been represented as institutions
gain access to an array of generic specification-building operators
that can be used to modularise specifications in a formalismindependent
manner. In the theory of institutions, there are constructs
(known as institution (co)morphisms) that provide us with the facility to
create interoperability between formalisms in a mathematically sound
way.
The main contribution of this thesis is the definition of an institution
for Event-B, EVT, which allows us to address its identified limitations.
To this end, we formally define a translational semantics from Event-
B to EVT. We show how specification-building operators can provide
a unified set of modularisation constructs for Event-B. In fact, the institutional
framework that we have incorporated Event-B into is more
accommodating to modularisation than the current state-of-the-art for
Rodin. Furthermore, we present institution morphisms that facilitate interoperability between the respective institutions for Event-B and UML.
This approach is more generic than the current approach to interoperability
for Event-B and in fact, allows access to any formalism or logic
that has already been defined as an institution. Finally, by defining
EVT, we have outlined the steps required in order to include similar
formalisms into the institutional framework. Hence, this thesis acts as a
template for defining an institution for a specification language
Category Theory and Model-Driven Engineering: From Formal Semantics to Design Patterns and Beyond
There is a hidden intrigue in the title. CT is one of the most abstract
mathematical disciplines, sometimes nicknamed "abstract nonsense". MDE is a
recent trend in software development, industrially supported by standards,
tools, and the status of a new "silver bullet". Surprisingly, categorical
patterns turn out to be directly applicable to mathematical modeling of
structures appearing in everyday MDE practice. Model merging, transformation,
synchronization, and other important model management scenarios can be seen as
executions of categorical specifications.
Moreover, the paper aims to elucidate a claim that relationships between CT
and MDE are more complex and richer than is normally assumed for "applied
mathematics". CT provides a toolbox of design patterns and structural
principles of real practical value for MDE. We will present examples of how an
elementary categorical arrangement of a model management scenario reveals
deficiencies in the architecture of modern tools automating the scenario.Comment: In Proceedings ACCAT 2012, arXiv:1208.430
Abstract Semantics for K Module Composition
AbstractA structured K definition is easier to write, understand and debug than one single module containing the whole definition. Furthermore, modularization makes it easy to reuse work between definitions that share some principles or features. Therefore, it is useful to have a semantics for module composition operations that allows the properties of the resulting modules to be well understood at every step of the composition process. This paper presents an abstract semantics for a module system proposal for the K framework. It describes K modules and module transformations in terms of institution-based model theory introduced by Goguen and Burstall
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