Understanding object-oriented systems specifications using familiar systems

Abstract

Typically software specifications are taught using software domains unfamiliar to the students. Specification nuances for domains such as banking, enrollment, and brokerage are not generally understood by students. Lack of domain understanding hampers students' abilities to specify or validate systems. In this article we present an illustration of using Unified Modeling Language (UML) and a familiar real-time domain (a student's microwave) to teach both specification and specification validation. This technique has proved successful since it 1) produces specification easily validated by the student, 2) allows discussions of specifications to actual functions, and 3) gives each student group a unique application.