On Thursday 13 November Joost Jacob received his PhD for his research on models to describe software systems.
This work was done at CWI. Jacob defended his thesis Domain Specific Modeling and Analysis at Leiden University. He studied various kinds of models and the way they are build. Industry can benefit from his findings.
System models are used in software development. A programmer uses a model that schematically describes what he should build, something like the floor plan of a constructor. Like in construction where an electrician needs other plans than a plumber, software projects have different types of models. This diversity in models can create problems with project members simultaneously working on software.
Jacob models differently. He does not select a standard type of model beforehand, but starts with the language that builds the model: the fixed terms describing the model. Jacob first defines a new language. For this he uses terminology from the specific domain in which the model will be used. Next he builds the model with this new language. Members of the project will better understand that model, because it uses their own terminology. In composing a correct new language, connecting to other languages, mathematicians can play an important role. Jacob’s ultimate goal is to clarify models so that all persons involved comprehend them. With that he bridges science and industry.
Promotor: prof. dr. F.S. de Boer (CWI and Universiteit Leiden), co-promotor: dr. M.M. Bonsangue (Universiteit Leiden and CWI). The thesis can be obtained via Joost Jacob.
More information: Joost Jacob, joost.jacob@gmail.com
Picture: Joost Jacob in front of the painting 'the tower of Babel' from Pieter Brueghel
