Synopses & Reviews
Formal specification is the name given to the use of discrete mathematics in computer science for describing the function of both hardware and software systems. Poor specification often gives rise to severe problems in software and hardware installation. This textbook is an introduction to both the theory and practice of formal specification, and this new edition includes two new chapters on Z, one giving a number of small examples in Z, the other covering design and Z. Prerequisites in this edition have been kept to a minimum since Professor Ince is at pains to develop the techniques of requirement analysis and discrete mathematics that are needed. Throughout the book are numerous worked examples and exercises which include many real examples of software and computer systems.
Synopsis
This computer science textbook offers an introduction to the theory and practice of formal specification, defined as the use of discrete mathematics for describing the function of hardware and software systems. Formal specification plays a vital role, especially with regard to problem-free installation. Designed for students approaching the subject for the first time, this text develops all the required analytical and mathematical techniques. Numerous worked examples and exercises demonstrate actual software and computer systems. The book culminates with an introduction to "Z", a formal notation which is particularly useful for unambiguously specifying systems.
Synopsis
This computer science textbook offers an introduction to the theory and practice of formal specification, defined as the use of discrete mathematics for describing the function of hardware and software systems. Formal specification plays a vital role, especially with regard to problem-free installation. Designed for students approaching the subject for the first time, this text develops all the required analytical and mathematical techniques. Numerous worked examples and exercises demonstrate actual software and computer systems. The book culminates with an introduction to "Z", a formal notation which is particularly useful for unambiguously specifying systems.
Table of Contents
Commercial software development; Customer requirements and specification; Propositional calculus; Predicate calculus; Set theory; Relations; Functions and sequences; The specification language Z; Operations and objects in Z; The Z schema calculus; Some small Z examples; A large Z specification; Z and design.