TCSP/Data: a process algebra for designing data-intensive systems

We present a basis for designing systems of data-intensive communicating processes utilizing the process algebra TCSP/Data introduced by Ehikioya (1997). TCSP/Data is an extension of TCSP (timed communicating sequential processes) with distinguished constructs for record expressions. The ability to construct structured data types in TCSP/Data proves useful in producing more natural abstract manipulations in systems specifications exhibited by database systems. Data objects are defined by their representation and by the constructor operations used to create them in conjunction with the definitions of operations that manipulate and examine them. TCSP/Data specifications are amenable to formal mathematical reasoning because they contain regular, semantically precise and simple structures. This approach is beneficial for modelling data-intensive systems at all stages of their design using formal representations. A concise description of TCSP/Data syntax is given. A sample specification and analysis of a transaction underlying concurrency control protocols is also given.