A study that evaluates new-paradigm-oriented software development environments which have been developed in the five-year formal approach to software environment technology (FASET) project is reviewed. For this study, a software environment evaluation technology based on a software quality evaluation process model defined in ISO/IEC 9126 has been developed. The evaluation technology has been applied to the R&D project at the middle and final phase of development. The evaluation results provide useful information to develop a widely acceptable evaluation technology and to improve the new-paradigm-oriented software development environments that are based on various specification methods: the algebraic specification method, function-oriented specification method, declarative specification method, natural-language-oriented specification method, diagrammatic specification method, state-transition-oriented specification method, and model-based specification method.>

The Japanese National Working Group has carried out research on developing a framework which clarifies the relation among internal and external characteristics, factors which affect software quality, and the effect of software quality. An attempt has also been made to develop metrics to measure them. The concept model and metrics that have been developed are presented with the future plan. Specifically, attention is given to the measurement of reliability, portability, functionality, usability, and maintainability.>

An evaluation technology for software development environments based on a software quality evaluation process model was developed. This evaluation technology was applied to a software development environments project, FASET (formal approach to software environment technology), to evaluate prototype environments. The quality evaluation process model and its concept are presented, the technology for evaluating a software development environment is described, and the experimental process and results of the FASET project are shown.>

The SPD (Structured Programming Diagram) is a documentation technology used to design well structured programs. With SPD, designers can easily express functional structure, control structure, and physical layout of a program on one sheet of paper. Its straightforward expression appeals to both document writers and readers. SPD concept and conventions are introduced in this paper. SPD usage is then explained with a program design example. Other documentation technologies used in coordination with SPD are briefly touched upon. Finally, SPD reputation and evolution in the last ten years are reviewed.