An extension to algebraic specifications to incorporate state behavior

Abstract

Algebraic relations (axioms) have been used to describe the functional behavior of the objects represented by a data abstraction. In this paper an extension to algebraic specifications is described that allows one to associate a state with each object of a data abstraction and to specify how the operations of an abstraction effect an object's current state. Such an extension is necessary if dynamic performance issues are to be investigated during the design process. The extension allows one to define the potential states of an abstract object in terms of a countable set and to then define a transition mapping for each operation.This extension along with a technique for recording the specification of a data abstraction in a relational form are described in detail.