Data distribution analysis and optimization for Pointer-based distributed programs

A critical question remains open if the compiler can understand the distribution pattern of pointer-based distributed objects built by application programmers, and perform optimization as effectively as the HPF compiler does with distributed arrays. In this paper, we address this challenging issue. In our work, we first present a parallel progamming model which allows application programmers to build pointer-based distributed objects at application levels. Next we propose a distribution analysis algorithm which can automatically summarize the distribution pattern of pointer-based distributed objects built by application programmers. Our work, to our best knowledge, is the first work to attempt to address this open issue. Our distribution analysis framework employs Feautrier's parametric integer programming as the basic solver, and can always obtain precise distribution information from the class of programs written in our parallel programming model with static control. Experimental results done on a 16-node IBM SP-2 machine show that the compiler with the help of distribution analysis algorithm can significantly improve the performance of pointer-based distributed programs.