Static meta-object protocols: towards efficient reflective object-oriented languages

Research output: Unpublished contribution to conferenceOtherpeer-review

Abstract

Reflection and extensibility in object-oriented programming languages can be supported by meta-object protocols (MOP) that define class-based interfaces over data representation and execution features. MOPs are typically dynamic in the sense that type-based dispatching is used to select between feature implementations at run time leading to a significant difference in execution speed compared to non-MOP-based languages. Defining a corresponding static-MOP would seem to be a solution whereby type-dispatching can occur at compile time. Such an approach requires the integration of a static type system with a MOP. This paper introduces a new reflective and extensible language called JMF written in Java that aims to generate efficient code through the use of a static-MOP. The contribution of this paper is to characterise a static-MOP and to show how it integrates with a type system for JMF.
Original languageEnglish
Pages160-167
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
EventCompanion the 15th International Conference - Málaga, Spain
Duration: 14 Mar 201617 Mar 2016

Conference

ConferenceCompanion the 15th International Conference
Period14/03/1617/03/16

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Static meta-object protocols: towards efficient reflective object-oriented languages'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this