Parallel Programming and the Poker Programming Environment

Abstract

Abstract : Parallel programming is described as the conversion of an abstract, machine independent algorithm to a form, called a program, suitable for execution on a particular computer. The conversion activity is simplified where the form of the abstraction is close to the form required of the programming system. Fine mechanisms are identified as commonly occurring in algorithms specification. The Poker Parallel Programming Environment is known to support these five mechanisms conveniently; thus the conversion is easy and the parallel programming is simple. The Poker environment is described and examples are provided. An analysis of the efficiency of the programming facilities provided by Poker is given and they all seem to be very efficient. (Author)