The Common Framework Initiative for Algebraic Specification, CoFI
(pronounced like `coffee'), is an open international collaboration.
The main immediate aim is to design a coherent family of algebraic
specification languages, based on a critical selection of constructs
from the many previously-existing such languages---without sacrificing
conceptual clarity of concepts and firm mathematical foundations.  The
long-term aims include the provision of tools and methods for
supporting industrial use of the CoFI languages.
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After motivating CoFI we outline its aim and scope, and explain one
general design decision that has already been taken: that the family
of languages should be obtained as restrictions or extensions of a
simple general-purpose algebraic specification language.  The
tentative design of this central language, called CASL (pronounced
like `castle') has been recently agreed; it includes features such as
partial functions, predicates, subsorts, first-order axioms,
modular specifications, and constraints.  The restricted languages
are intended for use with tools (e.g., for prototyping) and may
correspond to various existing algebraic specification languages; the
extensions will accommodate advanced specification constructs (e.g.,
for specifying reactive systems).
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Up-to-date information about the progress of CoFI and details of
the tentative design of CASL may be obtained from the CoFI Home Page
on WWW, URL: http://www.brics.dk/Projects/CoFI.