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Proving Temporal Properties of Z Specifications Using Abstraction

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Abstract

This paper presents a systematic approach to proving temporal properties of arbitrary Z specifications. The approach involves (i) transforming the Z specification to an abstract temporal structure (or state transition system), (ii) applying a model checker to the temporal structure, (iii) determining whether the temporal structure is too abstract based on the model checking result and (iv) refining the temporal structure where necessary. The approach is based on existing work from the model checking literature, adapting it to Z.

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Smith, G., Winter, K. (2003). Proving Temporal Properties of Z Specifications Using Abstraction. In: Bert, D., Bowen, J.P., King, S., Waldén, M. (eds) ZB 2003: Formal Specification and Development in Z and B. ZB 2003. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 2651. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-44880-2_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-44880-2_17

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-40253-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-44880-8

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