Semantics for an Agent Communication Language

. 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. 1 Introduction This research is concerned with communication between software agents. We see software agents as a paradigm that suggests a new way to view existing technologies as tools to build software applications that dynamically interact and communicate with their immediate environment (user, local resources and computer system) and/or the world, in an autonomous (or semi-autonomous)..