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Regular lanuages have more or less support for design by contract. In C one can assert pre and post conditions. In design there is more support for this...
As interface behaviors prescribe an interaction protocol, they provide a convenient and compact way to define contracts. A contract lists both expectations and obligations. Components in turn are a convenient and compact way to implement such contracts using other sub contractors. Components distinguish two levels of hierarchy in their interface contracts: The interfaces they provide and the interfaces they require. The essential difference between the two is that an interface which is provided must be completely implemented. While an interface that is required may or may not be used completely.