Interchange format for inter-operability of tools and translation: The salsa and asspegique+/LP experience

Abstract

This paper presents a technical approach for solving the problem of inter-operability between the different existing tools and languages for algebraic specifications. We discuss some semantic compatibility criteria required to ensure a minimal level of inter-operability, we describe a proposal for a specification interchange format, and we explain the mechanisms needed to solve the issues raised by user interaction. The technical generic solutions described in this paper were implemented and experimented in the framework of the Salsa project and when building an interface between Asspegique+ and LP.