Announce report on using algebraic spec. env for teaching

                                Using the ASF+SDF Meta-Environment
                                                            for
                                        Teaching Computer Science


We have just completed a report that discusses an interactive algebraic
specification environment and its utility in teaching formal methods to
computer science students. The ASF+SDF Meta-environment, is well suited
for specifying arbitrary abstract data types (traditional algebraic
specifications), as well as the definition of any (formal) language. This
report discusses how this system is used for developing exercises and lab
assignments for computer science students, and how an algebraic
specification style aids students as well as teachers of a formal language
course. We argue that the main advantage of the system is that it helps
bridge the gap between the concepts and an implementation formalism. In
the conventional style, a student is obliged to make a mapping from their
model into one that fits within a general programming language.


The report consists of an overview of the system, material from various
courses which use the system, and how the facilities of the system can be
used to prepare material for courses. The course materials are included
from the clases: lambda calculus, specification languages, programming
environments (primarily compiler construction issues), and management
information systems.




                                  Anonymous FTP information


The report and other related material are available on the
anonymous ftp site: ftp.cwi.nl.
                                        ----------


The report:
---------


Directory: pub/gipe/drafts
Format: compressed Postscript
Filename: TFM.ps.Z


Additional information about the ASF+SDF Meta-Environment:
---------------------------------------------------------


Various articles and documents relevant to the ASF+SDF system are
accessible on the anonymous ftp site.


The README file in this directory is a good starting point. A
user manual of the ASF+SDF Meta-Environment, containing a guided
tour and many examples, which comes with the system is also
available.


Directory: pub/gipe/reports
Format: ascii
Filename: README


Directory: pub/gipe
Format: compressed Postscript
Filename: SysManual.ps.Z


Finally, a mailing list subscription regarding the ASF+SDF
Meta-Environment can be requested by sending e-mail to
asf+sdf-list-request@cwi.nl.


--
Dinesh <T.B.Dinesh@cwi.nl>
--

Return to the comp.compilers page.
Search the comp.compilers archives again.