A Bootstrap Theory: the SEMAT Kernel Itself as Runnable Software

Abstract: The SEMAT kernel is a thoroughly thought generic framework for Software Engineering system development in practice. But one should be able to test its characteristics by means of a no less generic theory matching the SEMAT kernel. This paper claims that such a matching theory is attainable and describes its main principles. The conceptual starting point is the robustness of the Kernel alphas to variations in the nature of the software system, viz. to software automation, distribution and self-evolution. From these and from observed Kernel properties follows the proposed bootstrap principle: a software system theory should itself be a runnable software. Thus, the kernel alphas can be viewed as a top-level ontology, indeed the Essence of Software Engineering. Among the interesting consequences of this bootstrap theory, the observable system characteristics can now be formally tested. For instance, one can check the system completeness, viz. that software system modules fulfill each one of the system requirements.