Implementing concurrent scheme for the Mayfly distributed parallel processing system

This paper discusses a parallel Lisp system developed for a distributed memory, parallel processor, the Mayfly. The language has been adapted to the problems of distributed data by providing a tight coupling of control and data, including mechanisms for mutual exclusion and data sharing. The language was primarily designed to execute on the Mayfly, but also runs on networked workstations. Initially, we show the relevant parts of the language as seen by the user. Then we concentrate on the system Lisp level implementation of these constructs with particular attention toagents, a mechanism for limiting the cost of remote operations. Briefly mentioned are the low-level kernel hardware and software support of the system Lisp primitives.Work Supported in part by the Hewlett-Packard Corporation.