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From: mjl@cs.rit.edu
Newsgroups: comp.specification
Subject: Re: recommended texts
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Date: 6 Mar 90 19:52:27 GMT
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> David Mankins (dm@think.com) asks about recommendations of texts and articles
> which are good introductions to VDM or Z

I can vouch for the D. C. Ince book "An Introduction to Discrete
Mathematics and Formal System Specification" (Oxford University Press,
1988).  As the title implies, it is designed for use as a text, but can
also serve for self study (the existence of exercises is a definite
plus).

I agree with Jon Jacky that this is not for those with deep
mathematical maturity.  It's more a gentle introduction to the
underlying mathematics and their application within Z, and is
especially useful if you're new to the area or your math skills are a
bit rusty.  Be forewarned:  the book does not cover everything in Z
(Ince estimates that he covers about 80%).  However, hitting Spivey's
books without any preparation is a bit like being catapulted off the
deck of an aircraft carrier:  you get up to speed quickly, but you
might not like the jolt :-).

Mike Lutz
Rochester Institute of Technology

Mike Lutz	Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY
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