The stl++ coordination language: A base for implementing distributed multi-agent applications

Abstract

This paper introduces the STL++ coordination language, a C++-based language binding of the ECM coordination model. STL++ applies theories and techniques known from coordination theory and languages in distributed computing to try to better formalize communication and coordination in distributed multi-agent applications. STL++, as such, may be seen as a preliminary agent language which allows the organizational structure or architecture of a multi-agent system to be described, with means to dynamically reconfigure it. It is aimed at giving basic constructs for distributed implementations of generic multi-agent platforms, to be run on a LAN of general-purpose workstations. STLH-H uses an encapsulation mechanism as its primary abstraction, offering structured separate name spaces which can be hierarchically organized. Agents communicate anonymously within and/or across name spaces through connections, which are established by the matching of the communication interfaces of the participating agents. As an example, STL++ is used to simulate the automation of a trading system.