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Formal Semantics for Structured Analysis Style Data Flow Diagram Specification Languages

Gary T. Leavens, Tim Wahls, Albert L. Baker

Abstract

Using operational semantic techniques, we present a formal semantics for an extended variant of structured analysis style data flow diagrams. This semantics is intended to serve as a semantic foundation for many different specification languages that specify concurrent systems using a graphical notation similar to data flow diagrams. Besides allowing one to specify how information is processed, it allows one to specify the dynamic behavior of a concurrent system. We discuss various semantic issues, including the need for a two-step firing rule and how the semantics supports the notion of refinement

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Key concepts: Computer science, Programming language, Operational semantics, Semantics (computer science), Formal semantics (linguistics), Action semantics, Notation, Data flow diagram