Abstract

We examine the challenges and advantages of using an actor framework for programming and execution of scientific workflows. The following specific topics are studied: implementing workflow semantics and typical workflow patterns in the actor model, parallel and distributed execution of workflow activities using actors, leveraging event sourcing as a novel approach for workflow state persistence and recovery, and applying supervision as a fault tolerance model for workflows. In order to practically validate our research, we have created Scaflow, an Akka-based programming library and workflow execution engine. We study an example workflow implemented in Scaflow, and present experimental measurements of workflow persistence overhead.

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Cite this article

@article{cai-3382,
  author  = {Bartosz Balis and Krzysztof Borowski},
  title   = {Using an Actor Framework for Scientific Computing: Opportunities and Challenges},
  journal = {Computing and Informatics},
  volume  = {35},
  number  = {4},
  pages   = {870--889},
  year    = {2016},
  issn    = {1335-9150},
  url     = {https://cai.type.sk/content/2016/4/using-an-actor-framework-for-scientific-computing-opportunities-and-challenges/}
}
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