The Basel Tool Suite for Parallel Processing

Abstract

The Basel approach is characterized by a coordinated set of subprojects that use the same basic terminology but target for different goals. Emphasis is put on software engineering aspects such as increased programmability, portability, and interoperability. This integrated approach has benefits because different user groups (application programmers, performance analysts, students) can interact and profit from synergies by using common system elements. The Basel Tool Suite (developed at PUB*) currently consists of • ALWAN, the language used for writing algorithmic skeletons, offering reuse-in-thesmall constructs, and its compiler which produces portable source code skeletons for different target systems and programming languages. • PEMPI, a library-based environment supporting structured parallel programming for the MPI message passing standard. • ALPSTONE, a methodology and environment to make performance prediction and algorithmic benchmarking on different target architectures.Prototypes for all components exist and are used in courses at the University. Public domain versions of this software are envisaged; potential users should contact the group.