Object-oriented software specification in programming language design and implementation

Abstract

An object-oriented formal specification workbench is proposed for defining the syntax and semantics of programming languages, using which the formal properties of different languages can be elaborated and analyzed. Our specification approach is an object-oriented representation, structured around a denotational semantics methodology which abstracts out various common details so that formal syntax and semantics can be defined elegantly. Specific details can be inherited and specialized in defining the semantics of various programming languages, and the reusability and modifiability of many programming language features can be manifested across language paradigms. Furthermore, prototype implementations for these languages may be automatically developed from the formal specifications, providing a mechanism for compiler/interpreter reuse at the specification level.