Chestnut

Abstract

Graphics processing units (GPUs) are powerful devices capable of rapid parallel computation. GPU programming, however, can be quite difficult, limiting its use to experienced programmers and keeping it out of reach of a large number of potential users. We present Chestnut, a domain-specific GPU parallel programming language for parallel multidimensional grid applications. Chestnut is designed to greatly simplify the process of programming on the GPU, making GPU computing accessible to computational scientists who have little or no parallel programming experience, as well as a useful and powerful language for more experienced programmers. In addition, Chestnut has an optional GUI programming interface that makes GPU computing accessible to even novice programmers.