Design Methods for Reactive Systems describes methods and techniques for the design of software systems--particularly reactive software systems that engage in stimulus-response behavior. Such systems, which include information systems, workflow management systems, systems for e-commerce, production control systems, and embedded software, increasingly embody design aspects previously considered alone--such as complex information processing, non-trivial behavior, and communication between different components--aspects traditionally treated separately by classic software design methodologies. But, as this book illustrates, the software designer is better served by the ability to intelligently pick and choose from among a variety of techniques according to the particular demands and properties of the system under development.  
 
Design Methods for Reactive Systems helps the software designer meet today's increasingly complex challenges by bringing together specification techniques and guidelines proven useful in the design of a wide range of software systems, allowing the designer to evaluate and adapt different techniques for different projects. Written in an exceptionally clear and insightful style, Design Methods for Reactive Systems is a book that students, engineers, teachers, and researchers will undoubtedly find of great value.  

Contents

Foreword. Preface. PART I Reactive System Design: Reactive Systems; The Environment; Stimulus-Response Behavior; Software Specifications. PART II Function Notations: Mission Statement; Function Refinement Tree; Service Description. PART III Entity Notations: Entity-Relationship Diagrams; ERD Modeling Guidelines; The Dictionary. PART IV Behavior Notations State Transition Lists and Tables; State Transition Diagrams; Behavioral Semantics; Behavior Modeling and Design Guidelines. PART V Communication Notations: Data Flow Diagrams; Communication Diagrams; Communication Semantics; Context Modeling Guidelines; Requirements-Level Decomposition Guidelines. PART VI Software Specification Methods: Postmodern Structured Analysis (PSA); Statemate; The Unified Modeling Language (UML); Not Yet Another Method (NYAM). Appendices: Training Information System; An Electronic Ticket System; A Heating Control System; An Elevator Control System; Answers to Selected Exercises; Glossary; Bibliographic Remarks; Bibliography; Index. Online Materials (www.mkp.com/dmrs/): (continued) Answers to Selected Exercises (pass protected); A Controller for a Compact Dynamic Bus Station; A Cruise Control System; A Logistics Information System; Slides for Teachers; Handout of the Slides; Notes for Teachers.