Towards a unified graph-based framework for dynamic component-based architectures description in Z

This paper proposes a model oriented formal approach for the specification and the verification of dynamic component-based architectures. This approach associates the expressive power of functional and structural approaches. On the one hand, we make use of the specification language Z to formulate the constraints made on the architectural style. These constraints have to be maintained during the system evolution. On the other hand, we describe the dynamic of architecture in terms of graph-rewriting rules. The obtained rules take into account structural and functional constraints of the system under their application conditions ensuring in this way its consistency during its evolution. We express the rules entirely with the Z notation also obtaining, in this way, a unified approach which treats the static as well as the dynamic aspect. To validate our specifications, we use Z-EVES which is an advanced analysis tool supporting the Z-specification language.