Automated Component Retrieval and Adaptation Using Formal Specifications

This paper describes a method for applying formal specifications to automate a system design process based on reusable components and architectures. The focus is on identification and retrieval of components pertinent to a problem, and selection and application of architectures available for adapting these components. Component retrieval is facilitated by a heuristic based on specification semantics for approximating specification matches that indicate component reusability. To support adaptation, a formal model of architectures is developed that uses algebraic theories to specify relationships between the system and component specifications. Adaptation is performed by placing or replacing components within an architecture theory.