A theory-based representation for object-oriented domain models

Formal software specification has long been touted as a way to increase the quality and reliability of software; however, it remains an intricate, manually intensive activity. An alternative to using formal specifications directly is to translate graphically based, semiformal specifications into formal specifications. However, before this translation can take place, a formal definition of basic object oriented concepts must be found. The paper presents an algebraic model of object orientation that defines how object oriented concepts can be represented algebraically using an object oriented algebraic specification language O-SLANG. O-SLANG combines basic algebraic specification constructs with category theory operations to capture internal object class structure, as well as relationships between classes.