Channels, visualization, and topology editor

ABSTRACT

This paper presents our effort in designing pedagogical tools for teaching message passing using channels. These tools include a class library that supports channels, a visualization system that helps students see the execution behavior of threads and message passing, and a topology editor that provides an environment for students to design network topologies. Moreover, since we have made sure the uniformity of the channel de.nition across the thread, parallel and distributed environments, porting a threaded program to a parallel/distributed environment is easy.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.3 Concurrent Programming

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.4 OPERATING SYSTEMS
      D.4.1 Process Management

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
channels, threads, visualization