Bigraphs and Their Algebra

Bigraphs are a framework in which both existing process calculi and new models of behaviour can be formulated, yielding theory that is shared among these models. A short survey of the main features of bigraphs is presented, showing how they can be developed from standard graph theory using elementary category theory. The algebraic manipulation of bigraphs is outlined with the help of illustrations. The treatment of dynamics is then summarised. Finally, origins and some related work are discussed. The paper provides a motivating introduction to bigraphs.