Implementing Remote Evaluation

Abstract

Remote evaluation (REV) is a new construct for building distributed systems. It involves sending executable code from one computer to another computer via a communication network. We explain how REV can reduce communication and improve performance for certain classes of distributed applications. After introducing REV in this manner, we focus on implementation issues. We incorporate REV into a high-level programming language by defining its syntax and its semantics. Next we discuss the compile-time and run-time support for REV in both heterogeneous and homogeneous systems, comparing it to that needed by a remote procedure call implementation. Finally, we include sample performance measurements and summarize our experience with a prototype REV implementation. © 1990 IEEE