Foundations of Parallel Programming (Cambridge International Series on Parallel Computation, Series Number 6)

Using parallel machines is difficult because of their inherent complexity and because their architecture changes frequently. This book presents an integrated approach to developing software for parallel machines that addresses software issues and performance issues together. The author describes a methodology for software construction that is architecture-independent and intellectually abstract. The software can execute efficiently on a range of existing and potential hardware configurations. The approach is based on the construction of categorical data types, a generalization of abstract data types, and of objects. This work will be an outstanding reference for researchers in computing.

The complexity of the problems encountered in parallel computing has often meant that the software developed has been tailored to suit the specific needs of the hardware that accommodates it. The aim of this book is to provide an accessible account of the latest techniques used to design architecture independent parallel software. The author uses abstract theoretical ideas, such as categorical data types, to demonstrate how the practical problems of designing portable parallel software can be overcome.This is the first comprehensive account of this new approach to the fundamentals of the subject, and should not be missed by anyone who works in parallel programming.