Architecture for programming in a distributed computing environment where different components of a system are owned or controlled by different entities and heterogeneous in terms of resource availability and a willingness to share. Multiple devices can be programmed when a task requires human intervention. Method are described for using a tolerance level provided by the application developer to control the execution of the application instructions at multiple devices with varying resources, and for using an involvement level provided by the sensor or computing device owner for the purpose of automatically adapting the execution of application code at multiple devices to suit the individual owner's willingness to share resources, and the capabilities of resources available with that owner. Code distribution allows an application developed by one entity to be distributed to multiple devices owned by multiple entities, where each of the entities has varying connectivity, resource availability, and sharing willingness.