Hidden algebra provides a formal semantics for use in the field of software engineering, especially for concurrent distributed object systems.
[2] Hidden algebra was studied by Joseph Goguen.
[1][3] It handles features of large software-based systems, including concurrency, distribution, nondeterminism, and local states.
It also handled object-oriented features like classes, subclasses (inheritance), attributes, and methods.
Hidden algebra generalizes process algebra and transition system approaches.