Multi-Paradigm Programming
through Graph Rewriting

EPSRC Grant GR/H41300: Final Report Form

Dr John Glauert
School of Information Systems, UEA Norwich

The Final Report and a short Final Report Summary are also provided outlining the scientific and technological achievements of the project.

Other information about the project Multi-Paradigm Programming through Graph Rewriting is also available.

1. Grant Reference Number

GR/H41300

2. Grant Period

Start Date: 26/11/92

End Date: 25/06/96

3. Investigator(s)

Dr JRW Glauert

School of Information Systems, UEA Norwich

4. Title of Research Project

Multi-Paradigm Programming through Graph Rewriting

5. Objectives of the Research

Identification of a core implementation model based on graph rewriting

Sequential implementation of multi-paradigm languages

Identification of primitives for concurrent computation by graph rewriting

Parallel implementation experiments reflecting program-specified process allocation

6. Achievements of the Research

All the stated objectives of the research have been achieved.

In addition, much work has been done on the formal basis of the identified Object Graph Rewriting model. This links OGR to Milner's polyadic pi-calculus and the mini-asynchronous form which is in general use.

Foundational research has been completed on the theory of rewriting to various normal forms as required by multi-paradigm computation. This unites much previous work on various forms of rewriting, providing a powerful abstract framework.

7. Progress of the Research

(i) Was there any significant change in the research compared with the original proposal?

YES

The proposal was to focus on implementation work, based on firm theoretical foundations. In the event, the strengths of the RA appointed to the project were mainly in the area of theory.

As a result, the main contribution of this project, while strong in the area of implementation, has been in contributing to the underlying theory needed for multi-paradigm programming.

(ii) Did the research proceed as expected and on time?

NO

Delays in appointing an RA meant that the project started late. Progress on the project was as expected following the appointment.

(iii) Were there any circumstances which aided or impeded the progress of the research?

YES

Progress on recruiting an RA was much slower than expected. The skills of the candidate appointed enabled some aspects of the project to proceed rapidly, while implementation aspects relied largely on the efforts of the Investigator.

8. Further Research

(i) Has the research led to further EPSRC grant applications?

YES

Proposal GR/K93075: "On Type Theory and Term Rewriting for Expressive and Efficient Programming" was submitted in May 1996 as a joint proposal with the University of Glasgow.

This proposal received strong support from both national and international reviewers, regarding both the proposers and the relevance of the proposed work, but insufficient funds were available in August 1996.

(ii) Has the research stimulated further work in other ways?

YES

Through contacts established on the project, a successful bid was made to the EC MED-CAMPUS Programme: "C013: MedMultiTrain: Innovative Training in the Service Industry Using Multimedia".

A further Keep-In-Touch application has been made to the EC INCO programme and is under consideration at present. This would use results from the present project to develop concurrent multimedia systems.

9. Manpower

Staff employed on the project

Dr Zurab Khasidashvili

Full-time RA(1A). 05/07/93 - 31/05/96

Dr Richard Kennaway

Full-time RA(1A). 01/05/96 - 25/06/96

Other researchers associated with the project

Stephen Bradford

PhD Student. 01/10/92 - 30/09/94. EPSRC funded.

Lee Jeong-Ho

PhD Student. 01/01/94 - present. Self financed

Ian Whittley

Vacation Student. 17/06/96 - 30/09/96

10. Collaboration

European Computer Industry Research Centre, Munich

There was an informal collaboration with the Facile language group at ECRC until the centre reduced its research involvement at the end of 1995. Collaboration continues with team members who have moved to IC-Parc.

11. Expenditure

(i) Has expenditure exceeded or fallen short of the total sum awarded under a particular heading by more than 20%?

YES

The Other Costs category is recorded as 27% overspent. This is due to an item of equipment being reported under other costs on 14/02/95. When this item is added to equipment expenditure, no category is overspent or underspent by more than 10%.

(ii) Have funds been used for attendance at any conference not specified in the research grant announcement?

Maybe

A letter from SERC dated 10/09/93 permitted several conferences not mentioned in the announcement to be included. Must check to see if we went to any not on the final list.

12. Facilities

No external facilities used.

13. Publication and Dissemination of Results

(i) List titles of papers and internal reports etc arising from the research

The attached report lists XX published papers, YY internal reports, and ZZ publications submitted or in preparation.

(ii) Have the results been conveyed to any other person or body?

YES

Discussions have been held during attendance at international conferences and workshops.

(ii) Has any significant publicity been obtained for this work and did you refer to SERC support?

NO

14. Exploitation of Results

There are no commercially exploitable results of the project although research prototypes could be developed further.

15. Confidentiality

The information in this report may be freely communicated.

16. Detailed Report

A detailed report is provided outlining the scientific and technological achievements of the project.