Specification refinements: Calculi, tools, and applications

We propose and study a framework for systematic development of software systems (or models) from their formal specifications. We introduce a language for formal development by refinement and decomposition, as an extension to CASL. We complement it with a notion of refinement tree and present proof calculi for checking correctness of refinements as well as their consistency. Both calculi have been implemented in the Heterogeneous Tool Set (Hets), and have been integrated with other tools like model finders and conservativity checkers.