Get stuffed: tightly packed abstract protocols in Scheme

Abstract

This paper describes a layered approach to encoding and decoding tightly packed binary protocols. The protocols developed are based on an abstract syntax described via an s-expression. This approach utilises simple built-in features of the Scheme programming language to provide a dynamic environment that facilitates the development of extensible protocols. A tool called Packedobjects has been developed which demonstrates this functionality. An example application is presented to illustrate the flexibility of both the tool and the Scheme programming language in this domain. In particular we will show how it is possible to embed this technology into another application programming language such as C to power its network communication. Using the example application we will also highlight the choices available to the developer when deciding whether or not to embed such technology