Group definitions¶

Similar to how automaton definitions can be used for reuse of automata, group definitions can be used for reuse of groups:

automaton def Machine():
  location:
    initial;
  ...
end

group def Hall():
  machine1: Machine();
  machine2: Machine();
end

group def Factory():
  hall1: Hall();
  hall2: Hall();
end

factory1: Factory();

Automaton definition Machine models a machine, but most of the details are omitted here, as they are not relevant for this lesson. Group definition Hall models that each hall has two machines. Similarly, group definition Factory models that each factory has two halls.

Automata and groups are both components in CIF. Automaton definitions and group definitions can together be called component definitions. If we eliminate all component definitions and their instantiations, by replacing instantiations by their definitions, we get the following CIF specification:

group factory1:
  group hall1:
    automaton machine1:
      location:
        initial;
      ...
    end

    automaton machine2:
      location:
        initial;
      ...
    end
  end

  group hall2:
    automaton machine1:
      location:
        initial;
      ...
    end

    automaton machine2:
      location:
        initial;
      ...
    end
  end
end

Group definitions may be parametrized using the same kinds of parameters as automaton definitions.

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Group definitions¶