Goal-oriented modularity in agent programming

ABSTRACT

Modularization is widely recognized as a central issue in software engineering. In this paper we address the issue of modularization in cognitive agent programming languages. We discuss existing approaches to modularity in cognitive agent programming. Then, we propose a new kind of modularity, i.e., goal-oriented modularity, which takes the goals of an agent as the basis for modularization. Further, we present a formal semantics of goal-oriented modularity in the context of the 3APL agent programming language.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.5 Programming Languages and Software

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.1 Formal Definitions and Theory

  F. Theory of Computation
  F.3 LOGICS AND MEANINGS OF PROGRAMS
      F.3.2 Semantics of Programming Languages

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
        I.2.11 Distributed Artificial Intelligence
            Subjects: Intelligent agents; Languages and structures

General Terms:
Languages, Theory

Keywords:
agent programming languages, declarative goals, modularity, semantics