Process Algebra (Cambridge Tracts in Theoretical Computer Science)

Process algebra, also known as the Algebra of Communicating Processes (ACP), is a mathematical theory or model of computer processes, particularly concurrent systems. In this introduction to ACP, the authors describe an algebraic formalism that can be used to specify, apply logic to, and improve parallel systems. Their axiomatic approach permits intensive calculations to be performed and establishes a uniform framework in which a range of models can be investigated. The book addresses issues such as parallelism, communication, abstraction, non-determinism, and fairness and provides many examples, so it should appeal to computer scientists and mathematicians alike. It is a unique introduction to this model of concurrent programming and will be essential reading for all computer scientists interested in parallel processing and algebraic methods in computer science.