Modelling Systems: Practical Tools and Techniques in Software Development

by John Fitzgerald, Peter Gorm Larsen

Overview

How can we make sure that the software we build does what it is supposed to? This book provides an insight into established techniques which help developers to overcome the complexity of software development by constructing models of software systems in early design stages. It uses one of the leading formal methods, VDM (Vienna Development Method), and combines training in the formalism with industry-strength tool support and examples derived from real industrial applications. The principles taught here also apply to many of the current generation of formal methods. This second edition has been updated to include advanced online tool support for formal modeling as well as up-to-date reports on real commercial applications in areas as diverse as business information systems and firmware design.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521899116
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/11/2009
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

John Fitzgerald is a Reader in Computing Science at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Peter Gorm Larsen is a Professor of Computer Technology and Embedded Systems at the Engineering College of Aarhus (IHA), Denmark. He also works as an independent consultant.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the first edition; Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Constructing a model; 3. VDMTools Lite; 4. Describing system properties using logical expressions; 5. The elements of a formal model; 6. Sets; 7. Sequences; 8. Mappings; 9. Recursive structures; 10. Validating models; 11. State-based modelling; 12. Large-scale modelling; 13. Using VDM in practice; A. Language guide; B. Solutions to exercises; Bibliography; Subject index; Definitions index.

Editorial Reviews

"This is an excellent first course in modeling, and is so well organized that even individual study is practical. The book was enjoyable to read, and well written. Points of complexity were explained well, and the wealth of examples provides a roadmap to understanding for both the student and practitioner."
David S. Rogers, Software Engineering Notes

From the Publisher