Language constructs for message handling in decentralized programs

The current interest in distributed computer architecture (as found in networks and loosely-coupled multiprocessors) makes it relevant to consider the kinds of programming language constructs necessary to take advantage of the resultant decentralized environment. One approach is to construct decentralized programs as collections of disjoint processes which communicate and exercise control via messages. This paper presents several high order language message handling constructs and describes their use in writing decentralized programs. Particular points addressed are immediate and deferred message interpretation and content-based communication.