A Unifying Framework for Structured Analysis and Design Models
An Approach Using Initial Algebra Semantics and Category Theory

In this 1991 book, Dr Tse proposes a unifying framework behind popular structured models in information systems development.

T. H. Tse (Author)

9780521391962, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 May 1991

192 pages
25.4 x 17.8 x 1.3 cm, 0.55 kg

"...presents intial algebras as a unifying framework for structured analysis and design. The material is valuable and ought to be of interest either to software engineers searching for a foundation for their work or to theoreticians looking for interesting applications of category theory." Tom Jacob and Bill Kaizer, ACM SIG-ACT NEWS

Structured methodologies are a popular and powerful tool in information systems development. Many different ones exist, each employing a number of models and so a specification must be converted from one form to another during the development process. To solve this problem, Dr Tse proposes in this 1991 book a unifying framework behind popular structured models. He approaches the problem from the viewpoints of algebra and category theory. He not only develops the frameworks but also illustrates their practical and theoretical usefulness. Thus this book will provide insight for software engineers into how methodologies can be formalised and will open up a range of applications and problems for theoretical computer scientists.

1. Introduction
2. Desirable features of systems development environments
3. A comparison with related projects
4. Initial algebra as a unifying framework for structured models
5. Category theory as a unifying framework for structured models
6. The identification of unstructuredness
7. A prototype system to implement the unifying framework
8. Future directions
9. Conclusions
References
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Mathematical theory of computation [UYA], Software Engineering [UMZ]