Binary Search in a Multiprocessing Environment

In this paper we consider variations on the binary search algorithm when placed in the context of a multiprocessing environment. Several organizations are investigated covering the spectrum from total independence (or free competition for access to common resources) to cooperation as in SIMD architectures. It is assumed that the two main sources of overhead are memory interference and interprocessor synchronization. An organization combining interference-free access to memory by implicit synchronization and a small degree of cooperation yields the best results.