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Refinement, conformance and inheritance

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Formal Aspects of Computing

Abstract

This paper establishes a language-independent framework for class-based inheritance using a generic concept of refinement. The framework is then realised in the process algebra CSP. Class membership is expressed in terms of conformance to some relabelling of a distinguished process (the class template). The approach of the paper facilitates rigorous examination of informal concepts in object-oriented design, and suggests the possibility of introducing an appealing methodology into CSP.

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Cusack, E. Refinement, conformance and inheritance. Formal Aspects of Computing 3, 129–141 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01898400

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