This paper gives some examples of how computation in a number of languages may be described as graph rewriting, giving the Dactl notation for the examples shown. It goes on to present the Dactl model more formally before giving a formal definition of the syntax and semantics of the language. 2 Examples of Computation by Graph Rewriting

General term graph rewriting is a powerful computational model, suitable for implementing a wide variety of declarative language paradigms. Here, we address the problems involved in the implementation, on a loosely-coupled architecture, of an intermediate language based on term graph rewriting, DACTL. In general, such problems are severe, so a subset of this language called MONSTR is defined, free from some of the inefficiencies in the original model (such as an excessive necessity for locking). Superficially, much of the expressiveness of the original model is compromised thereby, especially with regard to the implementation of concurrent logic languages. However, transformation techniques that are valid in the context of declarative language translations, and that map fairly general DACTL rule sets to equivalent MONSTR rule sets without endangering the semantics of the former can be defined. These techniques use shared graph nodes that reflect states of computation, and are similar t...

The generalised term graph rewriting computational model is exploited to implement concurrent languages based on Girard's Linear Logic (LL). In particular a fragment of LL is identified which is able to serve as a "process calculus" and on which the design of a number of languages can be based. It is then shown how this fragment can be mapped onto equivalent sets of graph rewriting rules that both preserve the functionality of the LL connectives and also exploit the properties of linearity for efficient implementation on a distributed architecture. Notions such as channels, production and consumption of messages, and N-to-N communication between agents, are interpreted in the world of (term) graph rewriting. This work serves two purposes: i) to extend the notion of Term Graph Rewriting as a generalised computational model for the case of linear concurrent languages, and ii) to act as an initial investigation towards a fully linear term graph rewriting model of computation able to be im...

Programming language principles are of fundamental importance in supporting major applications on multiprocessor architectures. Many different language paradigms for general-purpose parallel computing have been proposed. The most appropriate choice of paradigm remains contentious and problematical. A novel approach to concurrent programming, based upon the formulation of definitions ("definitive programming"), is outlined. A case for the further investigation and development of the definitive programming paradigm as a basis for general-purpose parallel computing is presented. The paper builds upon previous work by the author on the application of definitive principles to the implementation of interactive systems, and the modelling and simulation of concurrent systems. The general principles and specific features of definitive programming are discussed in the context of existing programming paradigms, and the relative merits of definitive programming for general-purpose parallelism are...

General term graph rewriting is a powerful computational model, suitable for implementing a wide variety of declarative language paradigms. Here, we address the problems involved in the implementation, on a loosely-coupled architecture, of an intermediate language based on term graph rewriting, DACTL. In general, such problems are severe, so a subset of this language called MONSTR is defined, free from some of the inefficiencies in the original model (such as an excessive necessity for locking). Superficially, much of the expressiveness of the original model is compromised thereby, especially with regard to the implementation of concurrent logic languages. However, transformation techniques that are valid in the context of declarative language translations, and that map fairly general DACTL rule sets to equivalent MONSTR rule sets without endangering the semantics of the former can be defined. These techniques use shared graph nodes that reflect states of computation, and are similar to the logical variable. 1