11,685 research outputs found
Prototyping the Semantics of a DSL using ASF+SDF: Link to Formal Verification of DSL Models
A formal definition of the semantics of a domain-specific language (DSL) is a
key prerequisite for the verification of the correctness of models specified
using such a DSL and of transformations applied to these models. For this
reason, we implemented a prototype of the semantics of a DSL for the
specification of systems consisting of concurrent, communicating objects. Using
this prototype, models specified in the DSL can be transformed to labeled
transition systems (LTS). This approach of transforming models to LTSs allows
us to apply existing tools for visualization and verification to models with
little or no further effort. The prototype is implemented using the ASF+SDF
Meta-Environment, an IDE for the algebraic specification language ASF+SDF,
which offers efficient execution of the transformation as well as the ability
to read models and produce LTSs without any additional pre or post processing.Comment: In Proceedings AMMSE 2011, arXiv:1106.596
Initial thoughts on rapid prototyping techniques
This paper sets some context, raises issues, and provides our initial thinking on the characteristics of effective rapid prototyping techniques.After discussing the role rapid prototyping techniques can play in the software lifecycle, the paper looks at possible technical approaches including: heavily parameterized models, reusable software, rapid prototyping languages, prefabrication techniques for system generation, and reconfigurable test harnesses.The paper concludes that a multi-faceted approach to rapid prototyping techniques is needed if we are to address a broad range of applications successfully -- no single technical approach suffices for all potentially desirable applications
The Knowledge-Based Software Assistant: Beyond CASE
This paper will outline the similarities and differences between two paradigms of software development. Both support the whole software life cycle and provide automation for most of the software development process, but have different approaches. The CASE approach is based on a set of tools linked by a central data repository. This tool-based approach is data driven and views software development as a series of sequential steps, each resulting in a product. The Knowledge-Based Software Assistant (KBSA) approach, a radical departure from existing software development practices, is knowledge driven and centers around a formalized software development process. KBSA views software development as an incremental, iterative, and evolutionary process with development occurring at the specification level
Specifying and Executing Optimizations for Parallel Programs
Compiler optimizations, usually expressed as rewrites on program graphs, are
a core part of all modern compilers. However, even production compilers have
bugs, and these bugs are difficult to detect and resolve. The problem only
becomes more complex when compiling parallel programs; from the choice of graph
representation to the possibility of race conditions, optimization designers
have a range of factors to consider that do not appear when dealing with
single-threaded programs. In this paper we present PTRANS, a domain-specific
language for formal specification of compiler transformations, and describe its
executable semantics. The fundamental approach of PTRANS is to describe program
transformations as rewrites on control flow graphs with temporal logic side
conditions. The syntax of PTRANS allows cleaner, more comprehensible
specification of program optimizations; its executable semantics allows these
specifications to act as prototypes for the optimizations themselves, so that
candidate optimizations can be tested and refined before going on to include
them in a compiler. We demonstrate the use of PTRANS to state, test, and refine
the specification of a redundant store elimination optimization on parallel
programs.Comment: In Proceedings GRAPHITE 2014, arXiv:1407.767
Prototyping Information Visualization in 3D City Models: a Model-based Approach
When creating 3D city models, selecting relevant visualization techniques is
a particularly difficult user interface design task. A first obstacle is that
current geodata-oriented tools, e.g. ArcGIS, have limited 3D capabilities and
limited sets of visualization techniques. Another important obstacle is the
lack of unified description of information visualization techniques for 3D city
models. If many techniques have been devised for different types of data or
information (wind flows, air quality fields, historic or legal texts, etc.)
they are generally described in articles, and not really formalized. In this
paper we address the problem of visualizing information in (rich) 3D city
models by presenting a model-based approach for the rapid prototyping of
visualization techniques. We propose to represent visualization techniques as
the composition of graph transformations. We show that these transformations
can be specified with SPARQL construction operations over RDF graphs. These
specifications can then be used in a prototype generator to produce 3D scenes
that contain the 3D city model augmented with data represented using the
desired technique.Comment: Proc. of 3DGeoInfo 2014 Conference, Dubai, November 201
Attempto - From Specifications in Controlled Natural Language towards Executable Specifications
Deriving formal specifications from informal requirements is difficult since
one has to take into account the disparate conceptual worlds of the application
domain and of software development. To bridge the conceptual gap we propose
controlled natural language as a textual view on formal specifications in
logic. The specification language Attempto Controlled English (ACE) is a subset
of natural language that can be accurately and efficiently processed by a
computer, but is expressive enough to allow natural usage. The Attempto system
translates specifications in ACE into discourse representation structures and
into Prolog. The resulting knowledge base can be queried in ACE for
verification, and it can be executed for simulation, prototyping and validation
of the specification.Comment: 15 pages, compressed, uuencoded Postscript, to be presented at EMISA
Workshop 'Naturlichsprachlicher Entwurf von Informationssystemen -
Grundlagen, Methoden, Werkzeuge, Anwendungen', May 28-30, 1996, Ev. Akademie
Tutzin
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