Abstract. We describe a methodology for developing and deploying distributed Java applications using a reflective middleware system called RAFDA. We illustrate the methodology by describing how it has been used to develop a peer-to-peer infrastructure, and explain the benefits relative to other techniques. The strengths of the approach are that the application logic can be designed and implemented completely independently of distribution concerns, easing the development task, and that this gives great flexibility to alter distribution decisions late in the development cycle.

Abstract

Abstract.We describe an approach to designing and implementing a distributed system as a family of related finite state machines, generated from a single abstract model. Various artefacts are generated from each state machine, including diagrams, source-level protocol implementations and documentation. The state machine family formalises the interactions between the components of the distributed system, allowing increased confidence in correctness. Our methodology facilitates the application of state machines to problems for which they would not otherwise be suitable.We illustrate the technique with the example of a Byzantine-fault-tolerant commit protocol used in a distributed storage system, showing how an abstract model can be defined in terms of an abstract state space and various categories of state transitions. We describe how such an abstract model can be deployed in a concrete system, and propose a general methodology for developing systems in this style.

No abstract

No abstract