Multi-core + multi-tasking = multi-opportunity?

ABSTRACT

In this paper we look at the opportunity provided by the introduction of multicore chips to leveraging Ada's multitasking capabilities, with an eye to expanding the influence of Ada in this environment. The Sun Microsystems Sun Fire T1000 running Solaris is used as a platform for investigation of Ada in a multicore environment. Some sample applications are described and evaluated. Guidance on developing multi-tasking applications is also given. Opportunities for the Ada community to leverage this hardware shift to expand Ada's scope of application are presented.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.1 PROCESSOR ARCHITECTURES
      C.1.4 Parallel Architectures

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.3 Concurrent Programming
          Subjects: Parallel programming

General Terms:
Design, Measurement, Performance

Keywords:
multi-core, parallel execution, tasking