Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Introduction to the Subject of an Agent
in Computer Science
Abstract
This chapter provides a general introduction to the history of the
development of agent systems development. It gives an overview of some reasons
why the agent concept was invented. Then the process of agent system development
at universities and research centers is presented. This chapter contains also a layout
of the problem presentation in the monograph.
The development of computer hardware is one of the basic factors influencing the
advancement of software, technology and particularly the development of systems
that allow for more advanced computer applications—the operating systems. They
are becomingmore extended, and therefore enable the realization of greater andmore
complex algorithms prepared in the form of software packets. Processing complex
programs creates the need for the introduction of new concepts and solutions in the
field of operating systems.
One of the most significant solutions in the software development was the
possibility of running a program in the form of independent process in the oper-
ating system area. The development of MULTICS and then UNIX operating system
concepts contributed to the introduction of the “process” term constituting an inde-
pendent entity that came into being, went through the subsequent stages until it
became dispensable and eliminated. In the meantime, the operating system provided
characteristic space in which subsequent cycles of life of the process could be real-
ized. There are certain similarities between the process, particularly its cycle of “life”,
and the existence of living creatures in the natural environment. We can imagine that
the operating systems constitute a certain environment, where processes operate—
figuratively speaking—“live” in the same way as in the natural environment.
The introduction of communication between operating systems residing on
different computers, connected with the network resulted in further development
of these operating systems. It allowed regular communication, cooperation, and uni-
fication of particular operating systems, integrating them into a single one that con-
nected computers of a certain company, city and country trough the network in order
to operate on a global scale. Connected operating systems did not lose their property
of being the environment for the activity of processes, but they created even greater
space on a global scale. This virtual space was called cyberspace and has provided
a basis for further development of information systems.
