Distributed programming in Scala with APGAS

Abstract

APGAS (Asynchronous Partitioned Global Address Space) is a model for concurrent and distributed programming, known primarily as the foundation of the X10 programming language. In this paper, we present an implementation of this model as an embedded domain-specific language for Scala. We illustrate common usage patterns and contrast with alternative approaches available to Scala programmers. In particular, using two distributed algorithms as examples, we illustrate how APGAS-style programs compare to idiomatic Akka implementations. We demonstrate the use of APGAS places and tasks, distributed termination, and distributed objects.