C++CSP2 Documentation

2.0.2

Introduction

C++CSP2 is a process-oriented programming library for C++, based on ideas derived from CSP (Communicating Sequential Processes). It supports Windows and Linux, on x86 and x86-64 compatible processors.

To get started with C++CSP2, please read the pages on Installing C++CSP2 and The Guide to C++CSP2

Documentation

This documentation provides details on the API of C++CSP2 and how to use it. It is roughly divided into the following sections:

• Processes (sub-classes of CSProcess and ThreadCSProcess) are the main units of code in C++CSP2, and this page gives an overview of them.
• Processes can be run sequentially or concurrently; the page on Running Processes details how to do this.
• Process primarily communicate using Channels, typed one-directional communication pathways between processes. The multiple types of channels available in C++CSP2 are explained on the Channels page.
  • Channels are accessed using Channel Ends; how to communicate over channels is described on this page.
  • Buffered Channels can used a variety of different buffers, and these are described on the Channel Buffers page.
  • C++CSP2 supports channel Poison, a mechanism for easily shutting down concurrent programs.
• Time Functions are available for dealing with time; measuring time, and waiting for specific amounts of time to elapse.
• An Alternative is a powerful construct for expressing choice, that allows you to wait for the first of a specified set of events to occur.
• A Barrier is a synchronization construct that allows an arbitrary number of proceses to synchronize, as well as dynamic enrolling and resigning from the barrier.
• A Mobile is a smart pointer that prevents aliasing.

There are also some other useful pages available:

• A list of Frequently Asked Questions that tries to answer any questions you may have about C++CSP2. This should be your first port of call if you have a problem with C++CSP2 that you cannot understand.
• A Glossary for unfamiliar terms.
• A page on the Pre-Processor Flags that configure C++CSP2.
• A page on Installing C++CSP2
• Guide pages:
  • Guide part 1: Processes, Channels, Poison and Deadlock
  • Guide part 2: Alternatives and Extended Input
  • Guide part 3: Shared Channels and Buffered Channels
  • Guide part 4: Advanced Ways of Running Processes
  • Guide part 5: Mobiles, Barriers and Buckets

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