Expression of cooperation, competition, communication in specifications by abstract algebraic types

Examples to illustrate a specification describing a system composed of cooperating autonomous units, written in the form of algebraic abstract types, are given. The use of the OASIS computer program, designed to aid interactive specification of structural systems, is emphasized. The analysis of cooperative subsystems, and competing subsystems are discussed. The models describing competing systems separately specified, once intercommunication and the changes induced by that communication are established, are analyzed. The usefulness of this type of specification in describing communication or computer systems is shown.