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CoFI

CoFI (Common Framework Initiative, 1995–2005) was a collaborative project to develop a common framework for algebraic specification and development of software.

One of the main outcomes of CoFI is CASL (Common Algebraic Specification Language). CASL, together with its sub-languages and extensions, provides succinct notation for the various concepts and constructs of previous algebraic specification languages. Its main features are as follows:

  • CASL is based on a critical selection of known constructs.
  • It is an expressive, simple, pragmatic language.
  • It is suitable for specifying requirements and design for conventional software packages
  • It has restrictions to various sublanguages.
  • It has extensions to higher-order, state-based, concurrent, and other languages.
  • Use of CASL is supported by tools.

IFIP WG 1.3 supported CoFI, and members of WG 1.3 reviewed the design and definition of CASL.

The CASL Reference Manual and a CASL User Manual are published by Springer, and available in PDF from the CoFI website (CASL-RM, CASL-UM).

Hets (the heterogeneous tool set) supports use of CASL and its extensions in various automated and interactive theorem provers.

See also the Wikipedia page about CASL.