Transforming UML models to Formal Specifications
(1998)Abstract
The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is considered a significant step in the development of object-oriented (OO) notations in that it is based on some of the best OO modeling experiences. In this paper we are considering more specifically its use in the context of high-quality modeling of complex systems. We believe that the lack of firm semantics for the modeling notations used makes, among others, the identification of requirements problems difficult. One approach to making UML more precise and amenable to rigorous analysis is to integrate it with suitable formal notations. In this paper we present the benefits from a similar approach that is the result of integrating Fusion modeling techniques and the Z formal specification notation. The result is a technique that produces highly-structured, graphical, rigorously-analyzable models that facilitates early detection of errors. We believe that UML could gain from this experience. 1 Research motivation In the area of software specification we can distinguish two classes of techniques: the informal, structured techniques (ISTs) (e.g., OMT 7, Fusion 2) which emphasize ease-of-use and understandability, often at the cost of rigor, and the formal specification techniques (FSTs) (e.g., Z 9)