Model-based specification is an approach to
formal specification where the system specification is expressed as a
system state model. This state model is constructed using well-understood mathematical entities such as sets and
functions. System operations are specified by defining how they affect the state of the system model.
The most widely used notations for developing model-based specifications are
VDM and
Z (pronounced Zed, not Zee). These notations are based on typed
set theory
Set theory is the branch of mathematical logic that studies sets, which can be informally described as collections of objects. Although objects of any kind can be collected into a set, set theory, as a branch of mathematics, is mostly conce ...
. Systems are therefore modelled using sets and relations between sets.
Another well-known approach to formal specification is
algebraic specification.
See also
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Model-based design
Model-based design (MBD) is a mathematical and visual method of addressing problems associated with designing complex control, signal processing and communication systems. It is used in many motion control, industrial equipment, aerospace, and aut ...
*
Model-based testing
Model-based testing is an application of model-based design for designing and optionally also executing artifacts to perform software testing or system testing. Models can be used to represent the desired behavior of a system under test (SUT), or ...
References
{{Reflist
Formal methods
Formal specification