Author(s)

J. Lewis

Abstract

Animation of Z schemas is important if software engineering students are to understand the purpose and value of such formal specification methods. However, tools to support Z are not generally available which makes the subject abstract and difficult to understand. Students often find it hard to relate formal specifications to real programming applications, and they tend to view Z as hypothetical exercises in mathematics. Prolog is a language that students find both interesting and challenging in its own right, since the declarative code is both expressive and at odds with their previous programming experience. This paper presents our view that prolog is a suitable vehicle for helping students understand formal Z specifications. Prolog supports learning the co

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