Graphical notation and tool to design JCSP programs

Abstract

Java for CSP (JCSP) is a library based on Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) which is a formalism used for describing and formally verifying concurrent systems at a high level of abstraction. JCSP does not require advanced mathematical skills. However, the design, verification and test of JCSP systems can be hindered when done at the source code level. In this paper, we suggest an intermediate level of abstraction between CSP and JCSP in the form of a graphical notation close to JCSP components. This enables reasoning about the behavior of the developed system by using a familiar, abstract and yet executable notation. Hence, CSP models can still be abstracted when a formal verification is required, and the translation to JCSP code is simplified. A prototype tool supporting the notation is presented together with a design example. The tool enables the reuse of designed models as new building blocks, which may accelerate the design process.