KIDS - A Knowledge-Based Software Development System
Douglas R. Smith, Hillview Avenue · 1991
The Kestrel Interactive Development System (KIDS) provides knowledge-based support for the derivation of correct and efficient programs from formal specifications. We trace the use of KIDS in deriving an algorithm for solving a problem arising from the design of sonar and radar signals. This derivation illustrates algorithm design, a generalized form of deductive inference, program simplification, finite differencing optimization, partial evaluation, case analysis, and data type refinement. All of the KIDS operations are automatic except the algorithm design tactics which presently require some interaction. Dozens of programs have been derived using the KIDS environment and we believe that it could be developed to the point where it can be used for routine programming.