We introduce a pattern language for using formal methods in computer system engineering. We focus on the Z notation, but many of the patterns are adaptable to other formal notations, or can be used to help choose a notation, or to decide on a style of formality. As in other pattern languages, we are providing a new presentation of existing practice, to make it accessible to computer systems engineering. We propose an initial classification of Z patterns, present selected examples, and outline issues of tool support.
Full paper : PDF 283K
@inproceedings(SS-ZB-03, author = "Susan Stepney and Fiona Polack and Ian Toyn", title = "An Outline Pattern Language for {Z}: five illustrations and two tables", pages = "2--19", crossref = "ZB-03" ) @proceedings(ZB-03, title = "ZB2003: Third International Conference of B and Z Users, Turku, Finland", booktitle = "ZB2003: Third International Conference of B and Z Users, Turku, Finland", editor = "Didier Bert and Jonathan P. Bowen and Steve King and Marina Walden", series = "LNCS", volume = 2651, publisher = "Springer", year = 2003 )