Authors:
Mert Ozkaya
and
Christos Kloukinas
Affiliation:
City University London, United Kingdom
Keyword(s):
Design-by-Contract, ProMeLa, Architectural Modelling, Formal Analysis.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
General-Purpose Modeling Languages and Standards
;
Languages, Tools and Architectures
;
Model Transformation
;
Model-Driven Software Development
;
Models
;
Paradigm Trends
;
Reasoning about Models
;
Software Engineering
;
Syntax and Semantics of Modeling Languages
Abstract:
Despite promoting precise modelling and analysis, architecture description languages (ADLs) have not yet
gained the expected momentum. Indeed, practitioners prefer using far less formal languages like UML, thus
hindering formal verification of models. One of the main issues with ADLs derives from process algebras
which practitioners view as having a steep learning curve. In this paper, we introduce a new ADL called XCD
which enables designers to model their software architectures through a Design-by-Contract approach, as for
example in the Java Modelling Language (JML). We illustrate how XCD can be used in architectural modelling
and analysis using the Aegis combat software system.