Treffer: A Classification of Various Approaches for Object-Based Parallel and Distributed Programming

This paper aims at classifying and discussing the various ways along which the object paradigm is used in concurrent and distributed contexts. We distinguish the applicative approach, the integrative approach, and the reflective approach. The applicative approach applies object-oriented concepts, as they are, to structure concurrent and distributed systems through libraries. The integrative approach consists in merging concepts such as: object and activity, message passing and transaction, etc. The reflective approach integrates protocol libraries intimately within an object-based programming language. We discuss and illustrate each of these approaches and we point out their complementary levels and goals. Mr. President and fellow citizens of New York: The facts with which I shall deal this evening are mainly old and familiar; nor is there anything new in the general use I shall make of them. If there shall be any novelty, it will be in the mode of presenting the facts.