Introduces a new paradigm for the design of parallel algorithms called eventual determinism. Eventually-determinizing algorithms are designed to combine the advantages of probabilistic and deterministic algorithms. Typically, a probabilistic algorithm is used for a task that either can be done more efficiently probabilistically or cannot be accomplished deterministically (e.g. breaking symmetry). Once this has been accomplished, a process can start executing a deterministic algorithm for the same problem to take advantage of determinacy (e.g. the worst case complexities bounded). We illustrate the design of eventually-determinizing algorithms with examples from conflict resolution and self-stabilization.
Index Terms:
parallel algorithms; deterministic algorithms; randomised algorithms; computational complexity; eventual determinism; eventually-determining algorithms; probabilistic algorithms; deterministic algorithms; parallel algorithm design; symmetry breaking; determinacy; worst case complexity bound; conflict resolution; self-stabilization
Citation:
J.R. Rao, "Eventual determinism: using probabilistic means to achieve deterministic ends," hicss, pp.29, 28th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS'95), 1995