Argos is first inspired by D. Harel statecharts. It offers both a graphical and a textual syntaxes. The main differences with statecharts are the use of a truly hierarchical composition operator which does away with inter-level transitions used in statecharts, and the application of a strict synchrony assumption. Argos is the basis of the programming environment Argonaute which provides a compiler and allows a lot of connections to verification tools. Developments on Argos are carried out in the following directions:

Compilation : Several efficient compilation techniques have been studied. The current version of the compiler produces labeled transition systems in different formats that can be used for code generation, simulation or verification. A new version is under development: Argos programs are now compiled into sets of structured equations. This symbolic compiling technique is much more efficient than the explicit generation of labeled transition systems.

Connections to tools : The compiler may produces several output formats. The common oc format for code generation and simulation An automaton format that can be used for verification with Aldebaran Timed automata that can be verified by using Kronos. This model is generated from Timed ARGOS, an extension of the language by adding a timeout construct.

Multilanguage Programming: The aim is to study and implement two mixed languages: Argos + Esterel and Argos + LUSTRE. Mixing Lustre and Argos would allow a mixed imperative/declarative style for programming reactive systems. Mixing Argos and Esterel can be viewed as a way of introducing a automaton-like control structure in Esterel.

Publications

Classifications

GDPA Online Last Updated 01.Jan.2002 Updated by Webmaster Last Revised 01.Jan.2002 Revised by Webmaster