An object-oriented abstract machine as the substrate for an object-oriented operating system

Abstract

Using an object-oriented abstract machine brings a number of benefits for the construction of an object-oriented operating system. In this paper we describe the structure of an abstract machine designed for this task. This machine provides the basic object model and support for the rest of the system. Among other options, we propose a reflective architecture as a collaboration mechanism between the machine and the OS. Finally, we show how using this architecture based on the abstract machine improves and facilitates the construction of operating system features like orthogonal persistence, object distribution, concurrency and capability-based security, giving a flexible integral OO computing environment.