Classification of common design patterns for multi-agent systems

Typically, developing multi-agent systems (MAS) involves using special frameworks or simulation model development environments. They provide the developer with the necessary functionality of an agent launching environment, communication between agents, organization of access to resources and much more. However, there are cases when a stakeholder stipulates that it is necessary to avoid dependencies in the form of these toolkits. The lack of a unified database of MAS design patterns without their binding to specific domain in this case is a significant problem. Therefore, developers are coming up with solutions that have been already described earlier. The purpose of this work is to review and analyze the existing classifications of MAS design patterns, to identify common design patterns without their binding to specific domain, which can be used in the design of multi-agent systems and their classification. From more than 200 MAS design patterns in the public domain, the author has formed a base of 60 patterns that are not related to a specific domain. He also proposed the following classification of common MAS design patterns: structural, behavioral, migration, communication, architectural (system), protective and cognitive. Some of the classes of patterns allow introducing additional elements that extend functionality of the system, while others aim to implement different aspects of both the agent and MAS. The most prominent class of all proposed patterns is architectural (systemic) patterns, as they specify different types of agent architectures, multi-agent systems or elements that lay down rigid software constraints on the functioning of the developed system or its parts.