brianm@r8a.cs.man.ac.uk (Brian Monahan) (05/09/91)
BCS--FACS RAISE TUTORIAL
30th September -- 2nd October 1991
Post Experience Vocational Education (PEVE) Unit
Department of Computer Science
The University, Manchester
RAISE, standing for the Rigorous Approach to Industrial Software Engineering,
comprises a formal specification language RSL, a development method and a
comprehensive supporting tool set. RAISE was developed within the Esprit I
project 315. This tutorial aims to provide a general appreciation of RSL and
the RAISE development method and will also introduce participants to the
RAISE toolset. Information from LaCoS, an Esprit II project aimed
at applying the RAISE method to industrial scale problems, will also be
presented.
1. Background Information
1.1 The RAISE Specification Language -- RSL
RSL is a wide spectrum language in the sense that it is possible to
specify all stages of the software development process using it. RSL
contains facilities that support very abstract and general
specifications as well as very implementation oriented specifications
containing facilities similar to those found in procedural programming
languages. RSL is probably the most generally applicable formal
specification and design language available today. RSL encompasses
and integrates the major styles for formal specification and design
that have emerged over the last two decades:
1z --- algebraic specification
--- model-oriented specification
--- modularisation and parameterisation at the structuring level
--- axiomatic as well as explicit definitions
--- applicative, imperative and concurrent styles
1.2 The RAISE Method
The RAISE method is based on the notion of stepwise refinement whose
basis can be summarised as follows:
- Each step starts with a description of the software and produces a new
one which is in some way more detailed (or concrete)
- The result of each step is not only more detailed but also in some way
conforms to the previous one, so that it can be used to replace it
- Refinement typically involves both algorithm and data, since a change
in one normally involves a change in the other
This basis is taken into account in RAISE developments where initial
abstract specifications are successively refined by a process of
commitment in which degrees of freedom are removed. In each step data
structures and/or control structures are elaborated. Development steps
also involve justifications that each new specification, or
combination, in some sense is a correct development of the previous
one.
1.3 RAISE Tools
RAISE has a collection of tools for manipulating a variety of entities
that are relevant during a development process, for example, modules,
and relations between modules. Individual tools for manipulating such
entities are centered around the RAISE Library, which is a specialised
database system. The RAISE tools include a Module Editor, specialised
Entity Editors, a Library Query Editor, Justification Tools and
Translators. Translators are available for generating Ada and C++ from
low level designs expressed in RSL.
2. The Tutorial
The tutorial aims to provide a general understanding of the RSL
specification language and how it and the RAISE method are combined,
either rigorously or formally, in the software production process. The
RAISE tools will be demonstrated showing how they may be used to
support the development of software systems.
3. Practicals
The tutorial will be limited to 24 people. Tutorial sessions will be
divided between lectures and practical sessions. 12 Sun workstations
will be available and these will be shared one between two course
members. The RAISE tools are commercially available and information
will be provided during the tutorial concerning terms and licencing
arrangements.
4. Lecturers
The course will be given by:
Chris George CRI (Denmark)
Soren Prehn CRI (Denmark)
Roger Shaw Lloyd's Register
5. Cost
The cost of the tutorial will be #220.00 per person for non FACS
members and #190.00 per person for FACS members (VAT is included in
these prices). This charge includes copies of the course material
together with coffee, lunch and tea on each of the three days of the
tutorial. The cost of accommodation is not included in this charge.
Accommodation may be secured at the Manchester Business School
(subject to availability) or at a local hotel.
6 Booking Procedure
Please complete the attached form and return it by Friday 23rd August
1991.
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BCS -- FACS RAISE TUTORIAL
30th September -- 2nd October 1991
PEVE Unit -- Department of Computer Science
The University, Manchester
REGISTRATION:
The registration fee, including VAT at 17.5%, is #220.00 for
non FACS members and #190.00 for FACS members. {\em
Administration costs make it necessary to surcharge these prices by
#10.00 for applications not accompanied by a payment}.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
AMOUNT ENCLOSED:
Cheques should be made payable to BCS FACS and sent, by Friday 23rd
August, together with this form to:
Mr Roger Shaw
Performance Technology
Lloyd's Register of Shipping
Lloyd's Register House
29, Wellesley Road,
Croydon
CR0 2AJ
Telephone 081 681 4818
Email : ttercs@lloydreg.UUCP
ttercs@aie.lreg.co.uk
Please use a separate form for each person registered. (Photocopies of
this form are quite acceptable).
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation (bed and breakfast) may be secured at the Manchester
Business School (061 275 6333) for #40.25 per night. Those
wishing to attend the tutorial and stay at the Manchester Business
School should arrange their own bookings and are responsible for
paying their own bills. Alternatively, other accommodation within the
Manchester area may be secured.
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Dr. Brian Monahan /
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Department of Computer Science / E-mail : brianm@cs.man.ac.uk
The University of Manchester / bqm@cs.man.ac.uk
Oxford Road / Phone : (+44)-61-275-6137
Manchester M13 9PL / (New) FAX : (+44)-61-275-6236
/