In addition to describing conversations using the approaches described in this chapter it is helpful to have additional vocabulary to make verbal descriptions more expressive and precise. However, this vocabulary does not correspond to patterns because such simple vocabulary does not exhibit the forces and tensions that bring patterns to life. We therefore document this vocabulary as a simple description.

Conversation Identifier

Because conversation participants typically engage in multiple conversations at the same time, messages belonging to one conversation instance must be correlated. This usually happens via a generalized version of a Correlation Identifier, which was originally only presented in the context of a Request-Reply conversation.

http://www.eaipatterns.com/ramblings/09_correlation.html

Initiating Message

Conversation are started by one participant sending a message without depending on any participants. We call this message Initiating Message. This is often the message that defines the Conversation Identifier.

Follow-On Message

Retry

Sub Conversation

Acknowledgment Message

Range Acknowledgment Message

Conversation Design Decisions

How to Track Messages