Communication infra-structure: Channels

We are developing a Java class library for channel communication. The semantics are modelled on the dynamic channels of Fortran M.

This model is particularly attractive in Java because

1. It is ``connection-oriented'' so ordinary data communications map directly onto the socket I/O primitives efficiently implemented for Java and the Web.
2. It directly supports highly dynamic situations where new remote processes (eg, applets) come into existence unpredictably, and may have unpredictable communication demands (eg, determined by requirements of a remote user).
3. It provides a layer of abstraction above internet addresses and socket port numbers, and associated resources to which access may be limited by Java security models.

The remainder of this section describes our prototype interface. There is a complete example at the end of this report.