The Nature of Code
Steve Tockey · 2019
This chapter explains the nature of software: lines of code that developers write. It begins by defining the terms syntax and semantics and explains why they are important to software development and maintenance. The nature of code is derived from these definitions. The chapter also describes the role of semantic models in software development and maintenance, and presents important implications of the nature of code. “Model-based software requirements” have existed since the 1970s; the idea itself is not at all new. The difference is in how those requirements are modeled. There are four primary components: use case diagram, class model, interaction diagrams, and state models. People can build semantic models of businesses to capture, communicate, and validate a complete and consistent understanding of policies and processes the stakeholders want automated. They can also build a semantic model of the automation technology: the programming language.