The probe: An addition to communication primitives (Q1071496)

We consider a programming language kernel for distributed computation consisting of a sequential part - assignment, selection, repetition, recursion, sequential composition - extended with concurrent composition of processes and communication primitives. CSP and its variants are such a kernel [\textit{C. A. R. Hoare}, Commun. ACM 21, 666-677 (1978; Zbl 0383.68029)]. We propose a simple addition to the communication primitives used in such a kernel. This extra primitive, called the probe, simplifies the semantics of the language by suppressing the need for communication actions in guards, while enhancing its expressive power. After introducing the communication primitives and their semantics, the use of the probe is illustrated by a series of examples. Finally, implementation issues are discussed.