A temporal model for transparent monitoring of shared-memory multiprocessors

Abstract

A major obstacle to parallel software development has been the perturbation of program execution resulting from software-based monitoring techniques. Parallel programs exhibit non-deterministic behavior, which can result in changes in program execution under software monitoring, as compared to unmonitored program execution. In this paper, a formal model for parallel program execution and monitoring in shared-memory environments is developed that addresses issues related to monitor intrusion. Using this formal model, the notion of transparency, as it relates to monitored programs, is defined. Sufficient conditions for monitor transparency are presented. Software-based monitoring tools meeting these conditions are assured to exhibit transparency, given the definition. Thus, by ensuring that parallel program monitors conform to these sufficient conditions for monitor transparency, developers of software tools can enable transparent monitoring to be achieved.<>