[cap-talk] Definition of a capability

[Jed at Webstart]

At 05:28 PM 12/5/2005, Karp, Alan H wrote:
>We have been saying that a capability combines designation with
>authorization.  However, "Paradigm Regained" teaches us that permissions
>are the rules as written down, while authorizations include the behavior
>of other reachable objects.  A capability doesn't depend on the behavior
>of any other object.  Hence, it seems more precise to say that a
>capability combines designation with permission.
>
>Comments?

I agree completely.  After touching on that issue in an exchange with
Mark M on a related topic I've been trying to be consistent in using the term
"permission" when describing what a capability grants.

--Jed http://www.webstart.com/jed/