CS43310 (1995-96 session)
Algebraic and Tabular Documentation Methods for Software

Brief Description

This module examines algebraic techniques for modelling computing systems. The tabular techniques of D. Parnas are studied.

The lectures for this module will be delivered by staff of The University of Wales, Swansea using the video link.

Number of lectures: 20
Number of seminars/tutorials: 10
Number of practicals: 0
Coordinator: Dr. Fred Long
Other staff involved: Prof. Tucker of UW Swansea
Pre-requisites: C332(h)/ CS33210
Co-requisites: None
Incompatibilities: Only available to students registered for Masters in Software Engineering
Assessment: Assessed coursework 10%
Written exam - 90%
Timing: This module is offered only in Semester 2

To apply algebraic techniques for modelling computing systems. To apply tabular techniques of D. Parnas for documenting computing systems

Product life cycle -: Documentation for each stage of the cycle.
Requirements in design stages -: Product features specifications; system specifications; and program plans.
Testing and root causes of errors -
Formal methods for analysis of products -: Algebraic modelling methods. Equational specification methods.
Formal methods for documentation of products. -: Parnas tables. Transformation of tables. Recursive tables.
States versus commands in system documentation -
Case studies -: Pocket calculators; word processors; general user interfaces.

: A. Wilder and J.V. Tucker. Representing systems using tables - course notes. Technical report, Department of Computer Science, University of Wales Swansea, 1994.