Generating formal models from UML class diagrams

The rich structuring mechanisms, and abstract modeling constructs available in most graphical object-oriented modeling methods (OOMs) facilitate the creation of abstract, visually-appealing, highly-structured graphical models. On the other hand, lack of formal semantics for the modeling notation can severely limit the utility of OOMs. Formal specification techniques (FSTs) support the creation of precise and analyzable specifications, but they can be tedious to create and difficult to read, especially by system developers not trained in formal methods. The complementary strengths of OOMs and FSTs suggest that their integration can result in techniques that can be used to create precise and analyzable models. This thesis describes a technique for integrating analysis level UML (Unified Modeling Language) Class Diagrams with the formal notation Object-Z.