WHAT AFTER JAVA - FROM OBJECTS TO ACTORS

In this paper, we discuss some drawbacks of the Java programming langu age, and propose some potential improvements for concurrent object-ori ented software development. In particular, we argue that Javas passive object model does not provide an effective means for building distrib uted applications. critical for the future of Web-based next-generatio n information systems. Specifically. we suggest improvements to Java's existing mechanisms for maintaining consistency across multiple threa ds (e.g. synchronized), sending asynchronous messages (e.g. start/run methods) and controlling resources (e.g. thread scheduling). We drive the discussion with examples and suggestions from our own work on the Actor model of computation. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.