Methods and apparatus for exchanging active messages in a parallel processing computer system

A method for communicating active messages among nodes of a parallel processing computer system, said active messages being defined by .mu.threads, comprising the steps of:

• (a) generating a .mu.thread descriptor comprising an instruction pointer (.mu.IP) and flame pointer (.mu.FP);
• (b) generating a Local Parameters pointer (.mu.LP) after said node receives said active message, wherein said Local Parameters pointer (.mu.LP) identifies where additional parameters have been stored and is included as part of said .mu.thread descriptor;
• and
• (c) performing a procedure identified by said instruction pointer (.mu.IP) on a data structure identified by said frame pointer (.mu.FP) in accordance with said .mu.thread;
• wherein said procedure uses said Local Parameters pointer (.mu.LP) to locate additional parameters associated with said procedure.