Denotational semantics of a calculator

ABSTRACT

Denotational semantics1,2,3,4 provides a formal method of precisely and concisely specifying languages, programming languages as well as other kinds of software such as editors and file systems. But those attributes that make denotational descriptions so effective also lead programmers and software designers to reject the method as too complex. The main goal of this paper is to provide a nontrivial but relatively simple example suitable for presenting the fundamental concepts of denotational semantics, and in the process illustrate the application of sound design principles to denotational definitions to make them accessible to software designers.

REFERENCES

• 1: Michael J. C. Gordon, The Denotational Description of Programming Languages: An Introduction, Springer-Verlag New York, Inc., Secaucus, NJ, 1979
• 2: David A. Schmidt, Denotational semantics: a methodology for language development, William C. Brown Publishers, Dubuque, IA, 1986
• 3: Frank G. Pagen, Formal Specifications of Programming Language: A Panoramic Primer, Prentice Hall PTR, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1981
• 4: David A. Watt , Muffy Thomas, Programming language syntax and semantics, Prentice Hall International (UK) Ltd., Hertfordshire, UK, 1991
• 5: Barry Kurtz and Ken Slonncgex, Formal Syntax and Semantics of Programming Languages: A Laborawry Based Approach, In preparation.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.3 LOGICS AND MEANINGS OF PROGRAMS
      F.3.2 Semantics of Programming Languages
          Subjects: Denotational semantics

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.1 Formal Definitions and Theory
          Subjects: Syntax
      D.3.4 Processors
          Subjects: Parsing

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages