Week 1
- Introductions
- Course overview (syllabus)
Lecture Notes
- Lecture notes: PDF
- A familiar problem: findMax
- Challenge: O(1) parallel max?
- it can be done!
- with the right assumptions, processors, and disregard for efficiency!
- Timely CACM Point/Counterpoint article: On the Model of Computation: Counterpoint: Parallel Programming Wall and Multicore Software Spiral: Denial Hence Crisis
Assignments
- First programming assignment: PDF
- implement 3 versions of findMax in C
- use the Vim editor to type in your program (see sidebar for Vim resources)
- be sure to consult and follow the General Programming Assignment Guide PDF
- due: next Thu, Jan 29
- Read for next class:
- Software and the Concurrency Revolution (ACM Queue, 3(7), Sep. 2005)
- written summary due next class: Mon
- just one page, single-sided (don't go crazy)
- pick a few things that got your attention and are worth discussing
- we will discuss this article in class
- Ben-Ari Text:
- Chapters 1 and 2 for next week