Expert Programmer versus Parallelizing Compiler: A Comparative Study of Two Approaches for Distributed Shared Memory

Issue title: Parallel Computing Projects of the Swiss Priority Programme

Article type: Research Article

Authors: O'BOYLE, M. F. P. | BULL, J. M.

Affiliations: Centre for Novel Computing, Department of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PG, UK

Abstract: This article critically examines current parallel programming practice and optimizing compiler development. The general strategies employed by compiler and programmer to optimize a Fortran program are described, and then illustrated for a specific case by applying them to a well-known scientific program, TRED2, using the KSR-1 as the target architecture. Extensive measurement is applied to the resulting versions of the program, which are compared with a version produced by a commercial optimizing compiler, KAP. The compiler strategy significantly outperforms KAP and does not fall far short of the performance achieved by the programmer. Following the experimental section each approach is critiqued by the other. Perceived flaws, advantages, and common ground are outlined, with an eye to improving both schemes.

Journal: Scientific Programming, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 63-88, 1996