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Algebraic Specification

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Specification of Software Systems

Part of the book series: Texts in Computer Science ((TCS))

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Abstract

Algebraic specification emerged in the 1970s as a formal specification technique for specifying data structures in an implementation-independent style. This approach has given rise to several specification methods providing techniques for data abstraction, theory formulation, analyzing specification properties, modular development, and hierarchical composition. Algebraic specification is founded on equational logic, and the underlying semantics is derived from algebra, where different mathematical structures such as groups, rings, and fields are studied. In this chapter we look at how to construct algebras for specifying various software artifacts.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Computer Science and Software Eng., Concordia University, St. Catherine Street West 1515, H3G 1M8, Montreal, Québec, Canada

    Prof. V. S. Alagar

  2. Computer Science Department, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, State Street 1725, 54601, La Crosse, WI, USA

    Prof. K. Periyasamy

Authors
  1. Prof. V. S. Alagar
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  2. Prof. K. Periyasamy
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Correspondence to V. S. Alagar .

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© 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Alagar, V.S., Periyasamy, K. (2011). Algebraic Specification. In: Specification of Software Systems. Texts in Computer Science. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-277-3_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-277-3_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-276-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-277-3

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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