[S1] ================================================ AMAST Links 02 07

       A Common Framework Initiative for Algebraic Specification

   The full version of this summary is available at URL:
   http://www.cs.utwente.nl/data/amast/links/v02/i07/full/AC0207S1.txt
  An open collaborative effort has been initiated: to design a
   _Common Framework for Algebraic Specification_.
  The rationale behind this initiative is that the lack of such a
framework greatly hinders the dissemination and application of research
results.  In particular, the proliferation of specification languages,
some differing in only quite minor ways from each other, is a
considerable obstacle for the use of algebraic methods in industrial
contexts, making it difficult to exploit standard examples, case
studies and training material.  A common framework with widespread
support throughout the research community is urgently needed.
  The initiative has been started by COMPASS (ESPRIT Basic Research
WG 6112), in cooperation with IFIP WG 14.3 (Foundations of Systems
Specification), but participation is already not confined to members of
those groups.  Some 25 leading researchers in algebraic specification
have already agreed to participate, others are being invited to join.
  The current aim is to base the common framework as much as possible
on a critical selection of features that have already been explored in
various contexts.  The collective experience and expertise of the 
participants provides a unique opportunity to achieve this aim within
a short time-span.  The common framework will provide a family of
languages at different levels:
 o  various (possibly incompatible) extension languages, e.g. oriented
    to particular programming paradigms;
 o  a single, reasonably expressive common specification language
    (narrow-spectrum, but more expressive than e.g. Larch);
 o  various sub-languages, e.g. executable, unparametrized.
  A schedule of the immediate sub-goals is in the full version of this
summary. Sub-groups of the participants are focussing on particular
issues. Coordination of the collaborative effort is by means of
moderated mailing lists, WWW databases, sub-group meetings, and plenary
meetings (held adjacent to major conferences, to minimize travel).
  Further details about the common framework initiative, including
information about how to participate, are available on WWW at URL:
   http://www.daimi.aau.dk/~pdm/Common/