The MetaMP approach to parallel programming

Abstract

The authors are researching techniques for the programming of large-scale parallel machines for scientific computation. They use an intermediate-level language, MetaMP, that sits between High Performance Fortran (HPF) and low-level message passing. They are developing an efficient set of primitives in the intermediate language and are investigating compilation methods that can semi-automatically reason about parallel programs. The focus is on distributed memory hardware. The work has many similarities with HPF efforts although their approach is aimed at shorter-term solutions. They plan to keep the programmer centrally involved in the development and optimization of the parallel program.<>