Models for Configuration Management of Refinement Calculus Developments

This paper considers aspects of Software Configuration Management (SCM) in its role of supporting configurations that arise in development of software using the refinement calculus. From an SCM perspective, the primary difference between formal development methods, such as the refinement calculus, and traditional development methods is the nature of relationships within the development configuration. The relationships are very precise; occur at much finer levels of granularity; and evolve through an iterative/intertwined development process. In analysing support for the refinement calculus, this paper proposes a configuration model which defines the relationships that occur during development and how these relationships evolve as development activities are applied and modifications are made. The configuration model enables properties regarding relationships to be formally inferred. The results of these inferences may be used in developing automated support for refinement calculus developments, such as change impact analysis, traceability and remanufacturing services.