A distributed shared memory programming course

This paper describes a course on distributed shared memory (DSM) programming that uses a cluster of workstations and freely available software. DSM progamming offers a unique challenge to the instructor as it is not yet well established. The ways of obtaining a DSM environment are still actively researched and many different approaches are being explored. Progammers using a DSM system require an understanding of the complex underlying methods used to create the illusion of shared memory. Intriguingly, DSM can also offer a mixture of both message passing and shared memory programming techniques and especially so if the cluster being used is a cluster of symmetric multiprocessors (SMPs). Our courses teach this new environment to advanced undergraduates or graduates. A detailed list of topics and techniques that a student needs to know for DSM programming are described. A home page has been developed providing online instructional materials