AN ADA-LIKE SOFTWARE PROCESS LANGUAGE

This article presents a new software process language called concurrent software process language (CSPL). CSPL demonstrates a unique approach in combining the Ada-like syntax with UNIX shell semantics within a software process language. The rich Ada constructs allow CSPL to model the complexity in software processes. Meanwhile, the UNIX shell provides process enaction and, more importantly, easy access to powerful UNIX tools. A CSPL prototype has been built on the Sun workstation. Examples illustrate how CSPL can be used to model objects, activities, events, generics, exceptions, etc., in software processes. Moreover, a meta-process is given to depict a process of developing CSPL process programs. Related work and a preliminary evaluation of CSPL are also depicted.