Static networks of objects as a tool for parallel programming
J. Yelon · 1998
A network of objects is a set of objects interconnected by pointers or the equivalent. In traditional languages, objects are allocated individually, and networks of objects are created incrementally. We call such networks dynamic networks. We define a new concept, the static network , which is a network of objects that is immutable. Entire static networks are created as a unit, atomically and instantaneously. We develop a language construct that allows the user to create static networks. Then, we explore the implications and applications of static networks. We discover that static networks have unique abilities not present in dynamic networks. This dissertation describes a number of ways to create static networks, and a number of ways to leverage them.