This paper describes the design and experimentation with the Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language (KQML), a new language and protocol for exchanging information and knowledge among intelligent software agents. KQML is part of the ARPA Knowledge Sharing Effort, which aims to develop techniques and methodologies for building large-scale, sharable, and reusable knowledge bases. KQML serves as both a message format and a message-handling protocol to support run-time knowledge sharing among agents. It focuses on an extensible set of performatives, which define permissible "speech acts" agents may use, and provides a basic architecture for knowledge sharing through communication facilitators that coordinate interactions among other agents. KQML is a language and protocol that supports communication among intelligent agents, enabling them to share information and knowledge. It is designed to address the challenges of communication in distributed, heterogeneous, and dynamic environments. KQML provides a framework for agents to communicate using a common language, which includes a set of performatives that define the permissible "speech acts" agents may use. These performatives include query, reply, tell, ask, and others, which allow agents to interact and exchange information. KQML is used in various applications, including concurrent engineering, intelligent design, and intelligent planning and scheduling. It has been successfully implemented in several prototype systems and is used to support testbeds in various domains. KQML is also used in the development of software systems that require communication between agents and other information systems. The language is supported by a variety of implementations, including those written in Common Lisp and C, and is used in applications ranging from military logistics planning to electronic commerce and health information systems. KQML provides a flexible and extensible framework for communication among agents, allowing them to share information and knowledge. It supports a wide range of communication protocols and is designed to be used in a variety of applications. The language is supported by a set of tools and protocols that enable agents to communicate and collaborate effectively. KQML is an important component of the ARPA Knowledge Sharing Effort and has the potential to significantly enhance the capabilities and functionality of large-scale integration and interoperability efforts in communication and information technology.This paper describes the design and experimentation with the Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language (KQML), a new language and protocol for exchanging information and knowledge among intelligent software agents. KQML is part of the ARPA Knowledge Sharing Effort, which aims to develop techniques and methodologies for building large-scale, sharable, and reusable knowledge bases. KQML serves as both a message format and a message-handling protocol to support run-time knowledge sharing among agents. It focuses on an extensible set of performatives, which define permissible "speech acts" agents may use, and provides a basic architecture for knowledge sharing through communication facilitators that coordinate interactions among other agents. KQML is a language and protocol that supports communication among intelligent agents, enabling them to share information and knowledge. It is designed to address the challenges of communication in distributed, heterogeneous, and dynamic environments. KQML provides a framework for agents to communicate using a common language, which includes a set of performatives that define the permissible "speech acts" agents may use. These performatives include query, reply, tell, ask, and others, which allow agents to interact and exchange information. KQML is used in various applications, including concurrent engineering, intelligent design, and intelligent planning and scheduling. It has been successfully implemented in several prototype systems and is used to support testbeds in various domains. KQML is also used in the development of software systems that require communication between agents and other information systems. The language is supported by a variety of implementations, including those written in Common Lisp and C, and is used in applications ranging from military logistics planning to electronic commerce and health information systems. KQML provides a flexible and extensible framework for communication among agents, allowing them to share information and knowledge. It supports a wide range of communication protocols and is designed to be used in a variety of applications. The language is supported by a set of tools and protocols that enable agents to communicate and collaborate effectively. KQML is an important component of the ARPA Knowledge Sharing Effort and has the potential to significantly enhance the capabilities and functionality of large-scale integration and interoperability efforts in communication and information technology.