From algebras to objects: generation and composition

Abstract

This paper addresses objectification, a formal specification technique which inspects the potential for object-orientation of a declarative model and brings the ’implicit objects’ explicit. Criteria for such objectification are formalized and implemented in a runnable prototype tool which embeds Vdm-sl into Vdm++. The paper also includes a quick presentation of a (coinductive) calculus of such generated objects, framed as generalised Moore machines.