Verifying model oriented specifications through animation

Abstract

In this paper we demonstrate how light weight tools can be used to increase the level of confidence in Z specifications. In particular we outline the Pipedream approach to exploring Z specifications through animation, and illustrate the range of analyses that can be performed. We argue that, while a light weight approach does not give the same levels of assurance that an automated reasoning system would, it does give levels of assurance which are adequate for most projects and with significantly less overhead. We illustrate how animation can be used to perform verification using the example of a simple dependency management system.