This book investigates the fundamental approaches to software engineering by presenting research from the ETAPS '99 conference. The European Joint Conferences on Theory and Practice of Software (ETAPS) is a federated conference that combines multiple conferences, workshops, and invited lectures to address various aspects of the software development process. This volume, stemming from the second instance of ETAPS in 1999, includes contributions that cover specification, design, implementation, analysis, and improvement of software systems. The work emphasizes the languages, methodologies, and tools supporting these activities, with a balance between theory and practice, often driven by practical motivations.

The proceedings of ETAPS '99, as presented in this volume, offer a snapshot of the research landscape in software engineering at the turn of the millennium. The collection likely appeals to academics and practitioners interested in the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of software development methodologies. The emphasis on combining theory with practical motivation suggests a focus on rigorous, yet relevant, research. The broad scope, encompassing multiple conferences and workshops, indicates a comprehensive overview of the field's key concerns at that time.