HPC Software: Is “Cool Stuff” Really Incompatible with Sustainability?
Moderator
Event Type
Panel
Effective Application of HPC
Parallel Application Frameworks
Parallel Programming Languages, Libraries, Models and Notations
TimeFriday, November 17th8:30am - 10am
Location205-207
DescriptionThe HPC community faces a software conundrum. On the one hand, we need to maintain a long-running code base supported by long-term language standards backed by reliable, world-class compilers. On the other hand, there is a need to exploit new hardware features, evolving language ideas and constructs to support algorithmic advances. The traditional languages are slow to react and we often end up in a “Language du Jour” situation.
The result is that many sites now have large swathes of, sometimes operational, code written in a variety of languages with variable compiler and vendor support, relying on difficult to find skills. Other sites rigidly enforce the use of the ‘house language’ and only allow gradual and established changes in language standards. This leads to its own problems.
This panel will explore the spectrum between these two extremes and seek to determine if there is a better way forward.
The result is that many sites now have large swathes of, sometimes operational, code written in a variety of languages with variable compiler and vendor support, relying on difficult to find skills. Other sites rigidly enforce the use of the ‘house language’ and only allow gradual and established changes in language standards. This leads to its own problems.
This panel will explore the spectrum between these two extremes and seek to determine if there is a better way forward.
