Year: 2026
Type: report
Abstract: Programming language principles are of fundamental importance in supporting major applications on multiprocessor architectures. Many different language paradigms for general-purpose parallel computing have been proposed. The most appropriate choice of paradigm remains contentious and problematical. A novel approach to concurrent programming, based upon the formulation of definitions ("definitive programming"), is outlined. A case for the further investigation and development of the definitive programming paradigm as a basis for general-purpose parallel computing is presented. The paper builds upon previous work by the author on the application of definitive principles to the implementation of interactive systems, and the modelling and simulation of concurrent systems. The general principles and specific features of definitive programming are discussed in the context of existing programming paradigms, and the relative merits of definitive programming for general-purpose parallelism are considered. An appropriate abstract machine model is motivated, described and illustrated with reference to the simulation of a simple concurrent system.
Author: Meurig Beynon
Language: English
Subfield: Software
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2150043732