Algebraic Methods In Semantics

Algebraic Methods in Semantics

This book, which contains contributions from leading researchers in France, USA and Great Britain, gives detailed accounts of a variety of methods for describing the semantics of programming languages, i.e. for attaching to programs mathematical objects that encompass their meaning. Consideration is given to both denotational semantics, where the meaning of a program is regarded as a function from inputs to outputs, and operational semantics, where the meaning includes the sequence of states or terms generated internally during the computation. The major problems considered include equivalence relations between operational and denotational semantics, rules for obtaining optimal computations (especially for nondeterministic programs), equivalence of programs, meaning-preserving transformations of programs and program proving by assertions. Such problems are discussed for a variety of programming languages and formalisms, and a wealth of mathematical tools is described.

Recent Trends in Algebraic Development Techniques

Algebraic Methodology and Software Technology (AMAST'91)

This volume contains the proceedings of the Second International Conference on Algebraic Methodology and Software Technology (AMAST '91). The aim of the AMAST conferences is to promote the use of algebraic methodology as a foundation for software technology, and to examine how it can be used to provide practical mathematical alternatives to the ad hoc methods commonly used in software development. In particular the conferences provide a showcase for software systems which have been developed in this way, focusing on the conceptual developments which made them possible. The resulting volume covers a variety of software development issues, and testifies to the versality of algebraic methods when used as conceptual tools in the software development process. It features a distinguished collection of invited papers from leading researchers in the field, many of which break new ground, or represent an important step forward in current research. Among the specific topics covered are: language design; compiler construction; software testing; symbolic computation and partial evaluation; incremental implementation; and the verification of program and specification properties. Algebraic Methodology and Software Technology (AMAST '91) provides a comprehensive overview of this important field of science. It will provide invaluable reading for students and researchers, both in industry and academia.