operational semantics
<theory> A set of rules specifying how the state of an actual or
hypothetical computer changes while executing a program. The overall state is
typically divided into a number of components, e.g. stack, heap, registers etc.
Each rule specifies certain preconditions on the contents of some components and
their new contents after the application of the rule.
It is similar in spirit to the notion of a Turing machine, in which actions are
precisely described in a mathematical way.
Compuare axiomatic semantics, denotational semantics.
(1996-08-21)
Nearby terms:
Operating System/Multiprogramming of Fixed Tasks «
operational database « operational requirements «
operational semantics » operational test and
evaluation » operational testing » operation code
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