Patterns for Parallel Programming

In this guide for professionals, Mattson (life sciences, Intel), Sanders (computer and information science and engineering, U. of Florida) and Massingill (computer science, Trinity U., Texas) introduce a new pattern language to use in capturing the essence of developing parallel code. They introduce the background and jargon of parallel computing, and present the four phases of developing a parallel program: finding concurrency, working with algorithm structure, supporting structures, and developing implementation mechanisms. For those new to OpenMP, MPI and Java the authors include an appendix with background information, a glossary, and references. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)