Using a Specification Data Model for Specification of Black-Box Software Components

Abstract

Compositional plug-and-play-like reuse of black-box components requires sophisticated techniques to specify components. In the past little attention has been paid to the use of a conceptual data model to guide behavioral specification of components. In this paper we show how specifications are limited if no such data model is used and overcome these limitations by introducing the concept of a component specification data model. Additionally we propose a solution on how to obtain interface specification data models that are integrated and consistent with the component specification data model.