This article presents layer types as a concept for modeling arrays of communication objects. In a sense, layer types can be considered a generalization of array types. If the components of a layer are of a class type, the identifiers of component fields and methods can be lifted to the layer type level such that the lifted identifiers can be used to access all respective layer fields or layer methods by dot notation. This facilitates usual programming tasks. In addition, by employing predefined layer methods based on flags, functions, and relations over indices, layer types open up the way for a flexible and concise modeling of networks of communicating objects.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.