Extensible PGAS semantics for C++

Abstract

The Partitioned Global Address Space model combines the expression of data locality in SPMD applications, which is crucial to achieving good parallel performance, with the relative simplicity of the Distributed Shared Memory model. C++ currently lacks language support for PGAS semantics; however, C++ is an excellent host language for implementing Domain-Specific Embedded Languages (DSELs). Leveraging these capabilities of C++, we have implemented the Partitioned Global Property Map, a DSEL library supporting PGAS semantics, polymorphic partitioned global data structures, and a number of useful extensions. The Partitioned Global Property Map library utilizes template meta-programming to allow direct mapping at compile-time of high-level semantics to efficient underlying implementations. It combines flexible/extensible semantics, high performance, and portability across different low-level communication interfaces to allow PGAS programs to be expressed in C++.