VADSmp: Multiprocessing Software-Development System

Simplifies MP application development
Parallelizes existing single-processor applications
Eliminates blocking I/O
Uses standard Ada programming language
Maximizes portability and reuse
Easy to use: does not require special training

A complete multiprocessing development environment

VADSmp is an integrated Ada compilation system that simplifies the development of multiprocessing (MP) applications. VADSmp manages the details of multiprocessing transparently, eliminating the need to develop specialized, multitasking software and freeing you to focus on your application development.

Tools for multiprocessor software development

The VADSmp environment provides an integrated suite of tools for building new applications or for parallelizing existing applications.

Optimizing compiler: Produces optimized code and system calls to execute application tasks in parallel
Ada-MP runtime system: Manages the details of multiprocessor execution and communication
Task monitor: Displays the execution history of multiple parallel tasks, clarifying your application behavior
MP performance profiler: Helps you pinpoint performance bottlenecks
Automated build tool: Streamlines the edit-compile-debug cycle by automatically recompiling a minimal number of units in the correct order
MP-safe Ada libraries: Ensures that applications execute reliably in parallel
Cross-reference tool:Provides complete cross-reference information for all objects used by a unit or a set of units
Library-management system: Simplifies the management of Ada code for projects of any size
Online help: Provides easy access to information on VADSmp tools

Simplifies multiprocessor application development

VADSmp simplifies the development of parallelized applications by taking advantage of existing features of the Ada language. You use Ada tasks to set up and manage concurrent processing in a single, parallelized application.

VADSmp's unique runtime system works with the underlying operating system to concurrently execute and synchronize multiple tasks. You take advantage of multiprocessing without specialized, explicit programming.

Using VADSmp, you can manage parallel execution of Ada tasks.

Create new tasks
Set task priorities
Lock tasks to specific processors (some versions)
Communicate between tasks
Synchronize task execution

VADSmp is easy to learn and requires minimal knowledge of the underlying operating system or processor hardware. Moreover, VADSmp is completely compatible with the VADSself and VADScross development systems used by most UNIX Ada developers.

Makes it easy to convert an application to multiprocessors

Existing applications can be parallelized using VADSmp to take advantage of new multi-processor hardware. Applications that already incorporate Ada tasking can be parallelized without source-code changes. You simply recompile the application, link under VADSmp, and then fine tune it with the VADSmp profiling and debugging tools. Nontasking Ada applicatons can be parallelized by partitioning the application into independent tasks and recompiling under VADSmp.

Speeds up single-processor applications

VADSmp improves real-time performance and system throughput for many single-processor applications. By managing the execution of multiple tasks, VADSmp minimizes blocking I/O in applications demanding both real-time performance and extensive data I/O. For example, data retrieval, data storage, and graphics output are processed independently from the rest of the application, so that I/O operations do not block the execution of the entire application. Instead, I/O subsystems execute in parallel with the application code, minimizing potentially long delays. Improved real-time responsiveness and greater overall performance result.

Simplifies future upgrades

System upgrades are an important part of any complex system. VADSmp simplifies upgrades by eliminating additional development. The VADSmp runtime system takes advantage of new processors automatically.

Upgrading to new, faster processors is also easy with VADSmp. Because application code developed under VADSmp is completely portable, you simply recompile the application code on the new hardware system. You can deliver system upgrades in record time.

Debugs multiprocessing applications

Debugging complex multi-processing applications can be the most challenging part of a project. Therefore, VADSmp provides extensive multiprocessor debugging capabilities.

Nonintrusive debugging: Saves time and eliminates debugger side effects. Because the VADSmp debugger works on deployed code, special recompilations are eliminated, and you debug the optimized code that will be deployed.
Precise breakpoint control: Ensures that you are able to pinpoint problems quickly. VADSmp will halt execution at exactly the correct point, whether the application is executing a task, a generic, an exception, or an operating-system call.
Display capabilities for process and task status:Provides complete information about the execution state of the application. This information is critical in complex multiprocessing and multitasking applications.
Task history: Displays the execution history of concurrent tasks, making MP applications easier to understand.
Synchronous and asynchronous breakpoints: Ensures precise control of the application by letting you halt all tasks or just one task with a single breakpoint.
Ada, C, and assembly debugging: Simplifies development and testing of multilanguage applications.

Protects your investment

New applications developed under VADSmp are very portable. Applications can be recompiled and executed on a variety of single- and multiple-processor systems from Sun, HP, IBM, DEC, SGI, Motorola, AT&T, DG, Harris, Convex, and others. You are never restricted to one system.

VADSmp also maximizes reuse of existing software, helping you minimize development costs. VADSmp can reuse existing Ada, C, and assembly code. Existing Ada code is recompiled. Existing C and assembly code is linked with Ada code and debugged as a single application using the multilanguage debugger.

Supported hosts

VADSmp is available from Silicon Graphics as MP/Ada under IRIX 4.0 and from Sun. Support for Sun SPARC, HP, IBM, and DEC versions are also planned.

Contact your local Rational representative for the availability of VADSmp on the HP 700, IBM RISC System/6000, and DEC Alpha.

Contact Sun Microsystems for availability on Sun SPARC systems.

Support

Rational Software Corporation offers a full range of services to ensure your success, including training, telephone support, and on-site consulting.