| Abstract: | Formal specifications (algebraic) are given for an informally specified small subsystem of the Change Management Automatic Build System. A comparison of the two specifications shows that although informal specifications are easier to read, the formal specifications are clearer, specify operation domains precisely, define the interaction between the operations, show the incompleteness of the informal specifications and are devoid of implementation details. The formal specifications pointed to the need of a function not in the subsystem whose inclusion would improve the system design. This inclusion is now being considered. However, the use of algebraic specifications requires practice and experience. Although the formal specification of large systems is somewhat impractical at the moment, experience in using formal specifications can lead to better informal specifications. |
