Abstract
In this paper we first characterize distributed systems. Next we survey recently proposed programming constructs designed to facilitate communication amongst software elements of a distributed system. We then give the basis of a methodology for the formal specification of distributed systems, and follow with an example to clarify the technique. We close with a discussion of necessary extensions to the methodology and a review of the objectives of specification.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Boebert, W. E.; Franta, W. R.; Jensen, E. D.; and Kain, R. Y., “Kernel Primitives of the HXDP Executive”, Proc. COMPASC, 1978, pp. 595–600.
Clark, D. G.; Greif, I.; Liskov, B.; and Svobodova, L., “Semantics of Distributed Computing”, Computation Structures Group Memo 171, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Laboratory for Computer Science, October, 1978.
Chlamtac, I.; Franta, W. R.; Patton, P. C.; and Wells, B., “Performance Issues in Local Networks”, to appear in IEEE Computer, special issue on local networks.
Champine, G. A., Current trends in database systems”, Computer, Vol. 12, No. 5, May, 1979, pp. 27–41.
Gries, David, “An Exercise in Proving Parallel Programs Correct”, CACM, 20, 12, December, 1977, pp. 921–930.
Brinch Hanson, P., “Structured Multiprogramming”, CACM, 15, 7, July, 1972, pp. 574–578.
Hoare, C. A. R., “Communicating Sequential Processes”, Comm. ACM, 21, 8, August, 1978, pp. 666–677.
Brinch Hansen, P., “Distributed Processes: A Concurrent Programming Concept”, Comm. ACM, 12, 11, November, 1978, pp. 934–941.
Gouda, M. G.; and Manning, E. G., “Protocol Machines: A Concise Formal Model and its Automatic Implementation”, International Conference on Computer Communication ‘76, Toronto, August 3–6, 1976.
DeRemer, F.; and Kron, H., “Programming-in-the-large versus Programming-in-the-small”, Proc. International Conference on Reliable Software, 1975.
Parnas, D. L., “A technique for software module specification with examples”, Comm. ACM, 15, 5, May, 1972, pp. 330–336.
Roubine, O.; and Robinson, L., “SPECIAL Reference Manual”, Tech. Rep. CSL-46, SRI Project 4828, SRI Int., Menlo, Park, Calif., 3rd ed., Jan. 1977.
Cunningham, R. J.; and Kramer, J., “An Approach to the Design of Distributed Computer Control Software Using a Processor Module Concept”, Proc. IEE Int. Conference on Distributed Computer Control Systems, 1977, pp. 379–385.
Andler, Sten, “Predicate Path Expressions”, Thesis Proposal, Dept. Computer Science, Carnegie-Mellon University, July, 1978.
Franta, W. R., “The Process View of Simulation”, Elsevier, North-Holland, 1977.
Boebert, E. W.; Franta, W. R.; and Berg, H. K., “NPN: A Finite State Specification Technique for Distributed Systems”, Proc. Specification of Reliable Software, April, 1979.
Liskov, B. and Berzins, V., “An Appraisal of Program Specifications”, Research Direction in Software Technology (P. Wegner, ed.), to be published by MIT Press.
Campbell, R. H., “Path Expressions: A New Technique for Specifying Process Synchronization”, PhD Thesis, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1976.
Campbell, R. H.; and Habermann, A. N., “The Specification of Process Synchronization by Path Expressions”, Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Vol. 16, Springer-Verlag, 1974, pp. 89–102.
Campbell, R. H., “Path Expressions for Real-Time Programming”, Proc. Workshop on Tally for Embedded Computing Systems Software, NASA Conference Publication 2064, November 7–8, 1978, pp. 29–30.
Neumann, P. G., et. al., “A Provably secure Operating System: The System, its Applications, and Proofs”, Final Report SRI Project 4332, SRI Int., Menlo Park, Calif., Feb. 1977.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1980 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Franta, W.R., Boebert, W.E., Berg, H.K. (1980). An Approach to the Specification of Distributed Software. In: Berg, H.K., Giloi, W.K. (eds) The Use of Formal Specification of Software. Informatik-Fachberichte, vol 36. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-67881-3_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-67881-3_6
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-10442-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-67881-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive