Towards a Declarative Language for Parallel and Concurrent Programming

Abstract

We define a new language Eden by extending a functional language by constructs for the explicit specification of dynamic process systems. Concurrent systems can be classified either as transformational or reactive. For modelling the class of transformational systems, the introduction of a function-like abstraction mechanism is sufficient. In addition to this, the extra-functional concepts predefined nondeterministic processes and dynamic reply channels make the definition of reactive systems possible. The former construct is used to handle time-dependencies. The latter, which is similar to the incomplete message principle from concurrent logic programming, is a powerful mechanism for the treatment of dynamically specified communication channels. 1 Introduction Most parallel programming languages used nowadays are based on the imperative programming paradigm. In such languages, synchronization and communication between processes must be handled by the programmer at a low level of abst..