Abstract automata as a tool for developing simulation software

摘要

The modern approach to the development of computer software divides this development into three stages: specification, programming, and testing the designed program or a complex of programs. For each of these stages, automata can be useful tools. First, automata are used for program specification and yield diverse models of simulated systems. Different authors have developed specification languages based on automata. This application is considered in the first section of the paper. Second, automata are used for understanding and documenting the program behavior. It is especially important for simulation programs as users need knowledge of program functions to utilize it efficiently. This application is considered in the second section of the paper. Connections to the intelligent agent approach are demonstrated. Third, automata are used for program testing. This application is considered in the third section of the paper.