(a) In such actions, all persons interested in the matter in controversy, or in the property charged with the lien, may be made parties; but such as are not made parties shall not be bound by the judgment or proceedings therein.
(b) On the death of any party to such action, his personal representative shall be made a party thereto, plaintiff or defendant, as the case may be, and it shall not be necessary to make his heirs or devisees parties; but if he has no personal representative, and it is not desired to have one appointed, his heirs or devisees may be made parties.