Mechanizing the Transformation of Higher-Order Algebraic Specifications for the Development of Software Systems

The quality of software systems depends on many criteria. Choosing an adequate software process model is essential in meeting quality requirements. When aiming at a rigorous mathematical notion of correctness, formal software development provides an appropriate process model, which ensures that the implementation fulfills the requirements given by a formal specification. The stepwise derivation by transformations represents one approach to formal system development that can be supported by computers. This book first introduces a sound framework for the mechanizable transformation of formal specifications. The framework comprises a specification language, a formal development method and various mechanizable transformation rules. It is then illustrated how the framework is implemented in the Lubeck Transformation System LTS -- a tool for the interactive development of software systems.