Kompics Scala: narrowing the gap between algorithmic specification and executable code (short paper)

Abstract

Message-based programming frameworks facilitate the development and execution of core distributed computing algorithms today. Their twofold aim is to expose a programming model that minimises logical errors incurred during translation from an algorithmic specification to executable program, and also to provide an efficient runtime for event pattern-matching and scheduling of distributed components. Kompics Scala is a framework that allows for a direct, streamlined translation from a formal algorithm specification to practical code by reducing the cognitive gap between the two representations. Furthermore, its runtime decouples event pattern-matching and component execution logic yielding clean, thoroughly expected behaviours. Our evaluation shows low and constant performance overhead of Kompics Scala compared to similar frameworks that otherwise fail to offer the same level of model clarity.