Distributed EZ (string processing language)

Abstract

EZ is a system that integrates traditional operating systems and programming languages into a very-high-level persistent string processing language. The authors describe the design and initial implementation of a distributed memory manager that distributes EZ's virtual address space transparently among a network of homogeneous computers. The design adapts the techniques used in recent implementation of shared virtual memory for use in EZ's persistent environment. Unlike most implementations of shared virtual memory, control information is distributed and migrates. This memory manager works in concert with a distributed mark-and-sweep garbage collector, which is also concurrent and real-time. This collector trades time for space and minimal disruption of mutators, which reduces communication costs.<>