A formal specijication animator executes and interprets traces on a specijcation. Similar to software testing, animation can only show the presence of errors, never their absence. However, animation is a powerful means of jinding errors, and it is important that we adequately exercise a speci$cation when we animate it. This paper outlines a systematic approach to the animation of f o m l specijications. We demonstrate the method on a small example, and then discuss its application to a non-trivial, system-level specijication. Our aim is to provide a method for planned, documented and maintainable animation of specijications, so that we can achieve a high level of coverage, evaluate the adequacy of the animation, and repeat the process at a later time.
REF presents a systematic approach to plan, document, and maintain animation scenarios starting from Z formal specifications.
Animation can show only the presence of errors, never their absence
Proceedings 2001 Australian Software Engineering Conference
Proceedings 2001 Australian Software Engineering Conference
Computer Science