Adaptation and modification of Nassi-Shneiderman charts to represent Descartes specifications visually

Abstract

Descartes is an executable specification language that supports the rapid prototyping of partial through complete software specifications. A technique developed to represent Descartes executable specifications visually by adapting the charts of I. Nassi and B. Shneiderman (1973), is described. Symbols are identified for the data structuring methods and the rationale for selecting these symbols is discussed. The benefits gained in moving a graphical technique up to the front end of the software life cycle are discussed. Sample specifications are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the technique.<>