A Java implementation of a Linda-like Tuplespace system with nested transactions : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Abstract

The Tuplespace model is considered a powerful option for the design and implementation of loosely coupled distributed systems. In this report, the features of the Tuplespace model are examined as well as the issues involved in implementing such a Tuplespace system based on Java. The system presented includes the function of Transactions: a collection of operations that either all succeed or all fail. The system also permits Nested Transactions: an extension of transactions. Nested transactions have a multi-level grouping structure: each nested transaction consists of zero or more operations and possibly some nested transactions. The key advantages offered by nested transactions include that they enable the failure of an operation to be isolated within a certain scope without necessarily aborting the entire transaction, and they allow programmers to sub-divide a complex operation into a number of smaller and simpler concurrent operations. The other features of nested transactions are also examined in this report. Finally, the testing results indicate that it is possible to build an efficient, scalable, and transaction secured distributed application that relies on the Tuplespace model and the system developed for this research.