SkePU 2: Language Embedding and Compiler Support for Flexible and Type-Safe Skeleton Programming

Abstract: This thesis presents SkePU 2, the next generation of the SkePU C++ framework for programming of heterogeneous parallel systems using the skeleton programming concept. SkePU 2 is presented after a thorough study of the state of parallel programming models, frameworks and tools, including other skeleton programming systems. The advancements in SkePU 2 include a modern C++11 foundation, a native syntax for skeleton parameterization with user functions, and an entirely new source-to-source translator based on Clang compiler front-end libraries. SkePU 2 extends the functionality of SkePU 1 by embracing metaprogramming techniques and C++11 features, such as variadic templates and lambda expressions. The results are improved programmability and performance in many situations, as shown in both a usability survey and performance evaluations on high-performance computing hardware. SkePU’s skeleton programming model is also extended with a new construct, Call, unique in the sense that it does not impose any predefined skeleton structure and can encapsulate arbitrary user-defined multi-backend computations. We conclude that SkePU 2 is a promising new direction for the SkePU project, and a solid basis for future work, for example in performance optimization.