Configuration classes: an object oriented paradigm for distributed programming

The paper presents a new object oriented model for distributed computing. This model aims at providing a language independent formalism in order to express the distribution of an object oriented application. The model allows the location of objects in a distributed system to be dynamically managed. This means that it can manage complex duplication, migration or distant communication over a network. The objects are fragmented into representatives that are the grains of distribution for the model. The model´s main original feature is that it is based on three distinct hierarchies of classes. One hierarchy is devoted to the functional classes, another to the configuration classes, and the last to the synchronisation classes. The first is the same as in sequential object oriented languages. The second encapsulates the objects´ locations, all evolution in object fragments in a distributed system, and the routing of methods´ requests. The last encapsulates synchronisation to be applied to object methods. Examples of load balancing configuration classes are provided