Reusable Components of Semantic Specifications

Tools

Churchill, M., Mosses, P.D., Sculthorpe, N. ORCID: 0000-0002-7244-0916 and Torrini, P., 2015. Reusable Components of Semantic Specifications. In: S. Chiba, E. Tanter, E. Ernst and R. Hirschfeld, eds., Transactions on aspect-oriented software development XII. Lecture notes in computer science, 8989 . Berlin: Springer, pp. 132-179. ISBN 9783662467336

Preview

Text
PubSub5460_Sculthorpe.pdf - Post-print
Download (1MB) | Preview

Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46734-3_4

Abstract

Semantic specifications of programming languages typically have poor modularity. This hinders reuse of parts of the semantics of one language when specifying a different language – even when the two languages have many constructs in common – and evolution of a language may require major reformulation of its semantics. Such drawbacks have discouraged language developers from using formal semantics to document their designs. In the PLanCompS project, we have developed a component-based approach to semantics. Here, we explain its modularity aspects, and present an illustrative case study: a component-based semantics for Caml Light. We have tested the correctness of the semantics by running programs on an interpreter generated from the semantics, comparing the output with that produced on the standard implementation of the language. Our approach provides good modularity, facilitates reuse, and should support co-evolution of languages and their formal semantics. It could be particularly useful in connection with domain-specific languages and language-driven software development.

Item Type:

Chapter in book

Creators:

Churchill, M., Mosses, P.D., Sculthorpe, N. and Torrini, P.

Publisher:

Springer

Place of Publication:

Berlin

Date:

20 March 2015

Volume:

8989