Process Algebra and Markov Chains

This paper surveys and relates the basic concepts of process algebra and the modelling of continuous time Markov chains. It provides basic introductions to both fields, where we also study the Markov chains from an algebraic perspective, viz. that of Markov chain algebra. We then proceed to study the interrelation of reactive processes and Markov chains in this setting, and introduce the algebra of Interactive Markov Chains as an orthogonal extension of both process and Markov chain algebra. We conclude with comparing this approach to related (Markovian) stochastic process algebras by analysing the algebraic principles that they support.