Algebraic Specification Techniques in Object Oriented Programming Environments

The main aim of this monograph is to provide a framework forthe integrated design of object-oriented programs withalgebraic specification techniques. The design methodpursued relies fundamentally on the structuring of systemsbased on the notion of data types. Depending on the level ofabstraction, data types are described in an object-orientedway by algebraic specifications or by machine-executableobject-oriented programs. The treatment involves two mainaspects. First, object-oriented programs have to be relatedby a notion of correctness that models the transition fromspecifications to program implementations. The author presents a notion of correctness which relies on the idea ofabstraction functions. Second, in order to obtain anintegrated design environment, a uniform structuring conceptfor object oriented programs and algebraic specificationshas to be provided. Inheritance, subtyping and clientshipare three central notions of object-oriented structuring. The author uses them to develop the kernel of a type dobject- oriented programming language. The monographprovides the formal foundation for a unified framework ofalgebraic specifications and object-oriented programs. A major guideline is the development of a design method supporting the structured design and reuse of software in this environment.