Using Reflexd for a Grid Solution to the N-queens Problem: a Case Study

Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) promotes better separation of concerns in software systems by introducing aspects for the modular implementation of crosscutting concerns. It is therefore not surprising that the distribution concern is recently being addressed from anAOP point of view, and finallymaterialized in AOP frameworks like ReflexD or languages like AWED. The motivation of this paper is to compare the implementation of a solution to the N-Queens problem in a distributed environment, when using the ReflexD library for distributed AOP and when using the ProActive middleware. Although the paradigms and target environments are different, precisely in this difference lies the interest of the exercise: this comparison is one of the necessary steps in a path to validate the applicability of AOP in a distributed setting. Beyond the software engineering interest of an AOP-based solution over a standard middleware approach, this paper highlights the good performance of the ReflexD platform.