Parallel Computing Questions Long
Parallel virtual machines (PVM) is a software system that enables the execution of parallel applications on a network of heterogeneous computers. It provides a high-level programming interface that allows users to write parallel programs without having to worry about the underlying hardware and network details.
The concept of parallel virtual machines in parallel computing revolves around the idea of creating a virtual machine (VM) on each participating computer in a parallel computing environment. These virtual machines collectively form a virtual parallel computer, which appears as a single, unified computing resource to the user.
Each virtual machine in the PVM system has its own operating system instance and runs independently on a physical computer. These virtual machines communicate and coordinate with each other through message passing, allowing them to work together on a common task or problem.
The PVM system provides a set of libraries and tools that facilitate the development and execution of parallel applications. Users can write their parallel programs using a high-level programming language, such as C or Fortran, and utilize the PVM library functions to handle the communication and synchronization between the virtual machines.
The PVM system abstracts the underlying hardware and network infrastructure, allowing users to focus on the parallel algorithm design and application logic. It provides a transparent and portable environment for parallel computing, as the same parallel program can be executed on different hardware configurations without modification.
The benefits of using parallel virtual machines in parallel computing are numerous. Firstly, it enables the utilization of idle computing resources across a network, effectively increasing the overall computational power available for a given task. Secondly, it allows for the efficient distribution of workload among multiple computers, reducing the execution time of parallel applications. Additionally, the fault tolerance and scalability of the PVM system make it suitable for large-scale parallel computing tasks.
In summary, parallel virtual machines in parallel computing provide a flexible and efficient approach to harnessing the power of multiple computers for parallel processing. By abstracting the underlying hardware and network details, the PVM system simplifies the development and execution of parallel applications, making it an essential tool for researchers and practitioners in the field of parallel computing.