Further Co-evolution
The π-calculus, partially inspired by the Actor model as described by Milner above, introduced dynamic topology into the process calculi by allowing dynamic creation of processes and for the names to be passed among different processes. However, the goal of Milner and Hoare to attain an algebraic calculus led to a critical divergence from the Actor model: communication in the process calculi is not direct as in the Actor model but rather indirectly through channels (see Actor model and process calculi). In contrast, recent work on the Actor model has emphasized denotational models and the Representation Theorem.
Nevertheless there are interesting co-evolutions between the Actor Model and Process Calculi. Montanari and Talcott discussed whether the Actor Model and π-calculus were compatible with each other. Sangiorgi and Walker showed how Actor work on treating control structures as patterns of passing messages could be modeled using the π-calculus.
Although algebraic laws have been developed for the Actor model, they do not capture the crucial property of guaranteed delivery of messages sent to Serializers. For example see the following:
- Gaspari and Zavattaro
- Agha and Thati
Read more about this topic: Actor Model And Process Calculi History, Process Calculi and Actor Model