Concurrency Annotations

Abstract

Widespread acceptance of concurrent objectoriented programming in the field can only be expected if smooth integration with sequential programming is achieved.This means that a common language base has to be used, where the concurrent syntax differs as little as possible from the sequential one but is associated with a "natural" concurrent semantics that makes library support for concurrency superfluous.In addition, not only should sequential classes be reusable in a concurrent context, but concurrent classes should also be reusable in a sequential context.It is suggested that cmcurrcmy nnnofutions be inserted into otherwise sequential code.They are ignored by a sequential compiler, but a compiler for the extended concurrent language will recognize them and generate the appropriate concurrent code, The concurrent version of the language supports active and concurrent objects and favours a declarative approach to synchronization and locking which solves typical concurrency problems in an easier and more readable way than previous approaches.Concurrency annotations are introduced using E@ieZ as the sequential base.