Formal Semantics

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Discussion

Formal semantics defines the meaning of architectural constructs precisely and unambiguously.

Formal semantics separates meaning from implementation syntax, storage technology, programming language, exchange mechanism, deployment environment, or runtime platform.

Formal semantics supports consistent interpretation across implementations, tools, organisations, and governance contexts. It provides a basis for traceability, conformance evaluation, controlled interpretation, and semantic consistency within the reference_architecture.

Definition

precise and unambiguous definition of meaning associated with architectural constructs, independent of implementation

Source

Structured Information Processing reference_architecture

Note

Formal semantics provides the basis for consistent interpretation and conformance evaluation across implementation technologies.

Example

A reference_architecture defines the meaning of an attachment_point, conformance_point, lifecycle state, or governed artefact independently of the software mechanism that implements it.

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