Pattern-based parallel programming

The advantages of pattern-based programming have been well-documented in the sequential programming literature. However patterns have yet to make their way into mainstream parallel computing, even though several research tools support them. There are two critical shortcomings of pattern (or template) based systems for parallel programming: lack of extensibility and performance. This paper describes our approach for addressing these problems in the CO₂P₃S parallel programming system. CO₂P₃S supports multiple levels of abstraction, allowing the user to design an application with high-level patterns, but move to lower levels of abstraction for performance tuning. Patterns are implemented as parameterized templates, allowing the user the ability to customize the pattern to meet their needs. CO₂P₃S generates code that is specific to the pattern/parameter combination selected by the user. The MetaCO₂P₃S tool addresses extensibility by giving users the ability to design and add new pattern templates to CO₂P₃S. Since the pattern templates are stored in a system-independent format, they are suitable for storing in a repository to be shared throughout the user community.