A processor hosts a plurality of universal computing elements (UCEs). A first object is received into a queue of a first UCE, the first object characterized by one or more parameters representing a current state of the first object, the parameters being readable and modifiable by each UCE. The first UCE applies a function transitioning the first object to a new state by at least one of adding, modifying, and removing a parameter of the first object. The first UCE releases the first object to a queue of a second UCE based on a node identifier parameter identifying the second UCE. A process comprising the plurality of UCEs may be placed into an active state, a paused state, or a debug state. A non-transitory computer-readable medium may store instructions causing a processor to perform the foregoing operations.