This work investigates the advantages and limitations of various modeling methods. Despite of their advantages, due to some limitations of each modeling method, using only one of them as the sole approach will not ensure high quality software. This work proposes a new feasible approach to improve the software development process by integrating semi-formal and formal modeling methods. In this approach, software is initially modeled using the formal specification language Object-Z. The formal models, produced by Object-Z, are formally refined to ensure correctness. Then, software behavior is extracted and visualized in specific intervals using UML. Applying design patterns to the visualized models increases reusability and flexibility. The newly improved models are then re-formalized. Such an iterative and evolutionary process continues until developing the software with the desired quality. This paper proposes a new approach to develop reliable, yet flexible software.

Keywords