Object-oriented term graph rewriting

Abstract

The relationship between the generalised computational model of Term Graph Rewriting Systems (TGRS) and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is explored and exploited by extending the TGRS model with records where access to parameters is done by naming rather than position. Records are then used as the basis for expressing object-oriented techniques such as object encapsulation and (various forms of) inheritance. The effect is that TGRS with records can now be used as an implementation model for a variety of (concurrent) object-oriented (functional, logic or otherwise) languages but also as a common formalism for comparing various related techniques (such as different forms of inheritance or approaches for providing solutions to problems caused by the combination of concurrency and interaction between objects). © 1999 CRL Publishing Ltd.