What Does Tuple Space Mean?
A tuple space is an execution of the associative memory model for distributed/parallel computing. It offers a library of tuples, which can be accessed simultaneously. Tuples are terms with zero or more arguments and a key.
The collection of tuples supports some basic operations, such as adding a tuple to the space (write) and removing a tuple from the space (take). The tuple collection is kept and managed over a network of multiple tuple space servers. Multiple threads on single or distinct machines simultaneously access the space. Some add tuples to the space whereas others remove them in a process that may be refereed to as a blackboard metaphor.
Techopedia Explains Tuple Space
- write(tuple): Used to add a tuple to the space
- take(template tuple): Used to execute an associative search for a tuple that matches the template. Once found, the tuple is deleted from the space and then brought back.
- waitToTake(template tuple): Used to perform an associative search for a tuple that matches the template. It blocks until a match is located. It then removes and brings back the matched tuple from the space.
- read(template tuple): Same as “take” explained above, with the exception that the tuple will not be removed from the tuple space
- waitToRead(template tuple): Same as “waitToTake” explained above, with the exception that the tuple will not be removed from the tuple space
- scan(template tuple): Same as “read” explained above, with the exception that it returns a complete collection of tuples that match
- count(template tuple): Same as “scan,” explained above, with the exception that it gives back a count of matching tuples instead of the collection of tuples itself.
