Semantics for an Agent Communication Language

Abstract. We address the issue of semantics for an agent communication language. In particular, the semantics of Knowledge Query Manipulation Language (KQML) is investigated. KQML is a language and protocol to support communication between software agents. We present a semantic description for KQML that associates states of the agent with the use of the language’s primitives (performatives). We have used this approach to describe the semantics for the whole set of reserved KQML performatives. Our research offers a method for a speech act theory-based semantic description of a language of communication acts.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1997
• Where: ATAL
• Authors: Yannis Labrou, Timothy W. Finin
• Keywords: Agent Communication Language, ATAL 1997, Intelligent Agents, KQML, Semantic