MESSAGE

'Message' in its most general meaning is an object of communication. It is something which provides information; it can also be this information itself. Therefore, its meaning is dependent upon the context in which it is used; the term may apply to both the information and its form.
More precisely, in the 'communications science', a 'message' is information which is sent from a source to a receiver. Some common definitions include:

★ Any thought or idea expressed briefly in a plain or secret language, prepared in a form suitable for transmission by any means of communication.

★ An arbitrary amount of information whose beginning and end are defined or implied.

★ Record information, a stream of data expressed in plain or encrypted language (notation) and prepared in a format specified for intended transmission by a telecommunications system.

Contents

In computer science

See also

History of messaging

References

In computer science

Main articles: Message (computer science)


★ In the actor model, a 'message' is an Actor that an Actor sends asynchronously to an Actor.

★ In languages such as Smalltalk, a 'message' is an object which specifies a ''request'' for action.

See also

★ Instant messaging

★ Message Oriented Middleware

History of messaging

★ Airmail

★ Electronic mail

★ Express mail

★ Homing pigeons

★ Instant messaging

★ Radio

★ Semaphore

★ Smoke signals

★ Steamshipping

★ Telegraphy

★ Telephony

★ Television

★ Text messaging

★ Wind-powered shipping

References

# "Brief history" section adapted from Peter Saint-Andre "The Need For Speed"
# "A brief history of messaging through ages "Messages through Ages"
#''Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms''
#''Federal Standard 1037C''