Extending Z with state transition constraints

Abstract

The paper proposes an extended notation of Z by which one can explicitly specify the intended behavior of operation schemas in the form of state transitions. The notation is based on a labeled transition system which is tractable to analyse the operational behavior of Z. We mainly focus on the semantic framework which enables us to express constraints both locally and globally. Simple examples are presented and some research issues on operational interpretation of schemas are discussed with respect to our semantic framework.