A rewriting approach to the design and evolution of object-oriented languages

ABSTRACT

Rewriting logic semantics provides an environment for defining new and existing languages. These language definitions are formal and executable, providing language interpreters almost for free while also providing a framework for building analysis tools, such as type checkers, model checkers, and abstract interpreters. Large subsets of several existing object-oriented languages have been defined, while a new research language, KOOL, has been created as a platform for experimenting with language features and type systems. At the same time, new tools and formalisms aimed specifically at programming languages are being developed.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.1 Formal Definitions and Theory

General Terms:
Design, Languages

Keywords:
formal analysis, language design, language semantics, object-oriented languages, rewriting logic