USTOPIA REQUIREMENTS THOUGHTS ON A USER-FRIENDLY SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMATION OF PROGRAMS IN ABSTRACTO

Authors

  • M. G. J. van den Brand
  • N. W. P. van Diepen
  • E. A. Boiten
  • C. H. A. Koster
  • H. A. Partsch
  • N. Völker

Abstract

Transformational programming is a program development method which is usually applied using 'pen and paper'. Since this requires a lot of clerical work (copying expressions, con- sistent substitution) which is tiresome and prone to error, some form of machine support is desirable. In this paper a number of systems are described that have already been built to this aim. Some of their shortcomings and limitations are identified. Based on experience with program transformation and transformation systems, a long list of features is given that would be useful in an 'utopian' transformation system. This list is presented using an orthogonal division of the problem area. A number of problems with the realisation of some aspects of our 'utopian' system are identified, and some areas for further research are indicated.

Keywords:

transformational programming, transformation systems, programming envi- ronments

How to Cite

van den Brand, M. G. J., van Diepen, N. W. P., Boiten, E. A., Koster, C. H. A., Partsch, H. A., Völker, N. “USTOPIA REQUIREMENTS THOUGHTS ON A USER-FRIENDLY SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMATION OF PROGRAMS IN ABSTRACTO”, Periodica Polytechnica Electrical Engineering, 35(2), pp. 101–123, 1991.

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (1991)

Section

Articles