Generating Executable Scenarios from Natural Language

Abstract

Abstract. Bridging the gap between the specification of software requirements and actual execution of the behavior of the specified system has been the target of much research in recent years. We have created a natural language interface, which, for a useful class of systems, yields the automatic production of executable code from structured requirements. In this paper we describe how our method uses static and dynamic grammar for generating live sequence charts (LSCs), that constitute a powerful executable extension of sequence diagrams for reactive systems. We have implemented an automatic translation from controlled natural language requirements into LSCs, and we demonstrate it on two sample reactive systems.

Steps towards Scenario-Based Programming with a Natural Language Interface

“…This naturalness appears to be a crucial component of the quest for liberating programming [19]. We have developed a natural language input interface for BP [14], in which scenarios are described with CNL and are transformed automatically into a BP formalism called live sequence charts (LSC) [9]. These, in turn can be executed, using play-out [20], planning algorithms or synthesis [32].…”

“…In [14], we describe a natural language interface to the LSC formalism, named NL-play-in. The programmer can write in a controlled English, using terms, e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives, that are relevant to the system being described, and reusing them in further requirements to allow unification during execution.…”

“…For a thorough guide we refer the reader to [14], in which an example of a wristwatch is described (also available in http://www.weizmann.ac.il/ mediawiki/playgo/index.php/Wristwatch_Example).…”

DODT: Increasing requirements formalism using domain ontologies for improved embedded systems development

“…There have been numerous approaches to transform NL requirements into semi-formal and formal languages: into ACTL (action based temporal logic) formulae [1]; into Use Case Models [2]; into CSP process algebra [3]; into Circal process algebra [4]; into executable LSCs (live sequence charts) [5]; into scenarios [6]; and into temporal logic formulae [7].…”

Evaluating a natural language interface for behavioral programming

“…Since LSCs as a BP paradigm is conceptually different from procedural languages, the usefulness of the language to "procedural" programmers is still questionable. Additionally, because LSCs are visual in nature, there are many ways to create them: (i) drawing the diagram by dragging and dropping elements; (ii) playing-in the scenario with a graphical user interface (GUI) of the system or with a model thereof [3], [6]; (iii) typing the scenario in a controlled natural language [7] and; (iv) a combination of the last two, termed show&tell [8]. Figure 1 shows a sample LSC and some toolbars and views for creating it.…”