The Howdy Glossary

Split-C is a parallel extension of the C programming language developed to facilitate large-scale parallel computing by combining data-parallel and single program multiple data (SPMD) paradigms. It provides a distributed memory abstraction that allows developers to write high-performance code capable of scaling efficiently across multiple processors. By compiling source code into messages for communication between nodes in a distributed-memory system, Split-C serves as an effective tool for supercomputing applications requiring significant computational power and scalability.

Developed by researchers at the Center for Supercomputing Research and Development at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Split-C uniquely integrates data-parallel and SPMD paradigms within a single programming language. This unified approach simplifies expressing communication and computation, enabling developers to produce high-performance code with minimal complexity. The language's design ensures that it compiles source code into efficient messages for node communication, enhancing its suitability for demanding supercomputing tasks.

Competition in the realm of parallel programming includes frameworks such as MPI (Message Passing Interface), OpenMP (Open Multi-Processing), and CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture). Each competitor provides distinct features tailored to specific applications in parallel computing. Split-C differentiates itself through its combined use of data-parallel and SPMD paradigms, allowing more straightforward development of scalable high-performance code applicable across numerous processors. Consequently, it stands out as a comprehensive solution addressing the challenges posed by large-scale parallel computing tasks, making it particularly valuable for developers dealing with complex distributed-memory systems.