Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM)

Definition

Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) is a software framework that allows a collection of heterogeneous computers to be used as a single large virtual parallel machine. This enables the execution of parallel applications across multiple systems, facilitating resource sharing and load balancing. PVM was developed to help researchers and developers harness the power of distributed computing while providing an easy-to-use interface for creating parallel applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PVM was developed in the early 1990s at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to simplify the programming of parallel applications on distributed systems.
2. PVM can run on various architectures, making it flexible in integrating different types of machines, such as workstations and supercomputers.
3. The architecture of PVM is based on a daemon process running on each machine, allowing them to communicate with each other through message passing.
4. PVM allows users to dynamically add or remove machines from the virtual machine environment, providing flexibility for resource management.
5. PVM supports various programming languages, including C, C++, and Fortran, which makes it accessible to a wide range of developers.

Review Questions

• How does PVM facilitate the use of distributed systems for parallel processing?
  • PVM creates a virtual parallel machine by connecting multiple computers, enabling them to work together as a single system. It does this by using a message-passing model where processes can communicate across different machines. This setup allows developers to write parallel applications that leverage the combined resources of these computers, making efficient use of available hardware while simplifying programming complexities.
• Discuss the role of message passing in PVM and its significance in managing communication between processes.
  • Message passing is central to how PVM operates, allowing processes running on different machines to exchange data and synchronize their actions. This method is significant because it enables efficient communication without needing a shared memory space, which can be difficult to implement across heterogeneous systems. By using message passing, PVM ensures that data is sent explicitly between processes, maintaining control over communication flow and reducing potential bottlenecks.
• Evaluate the impact of PVM's ability to support heterogeneous environments on the development of parallel applications.
  • PVM's support for heterogeneous environments has profoundly influenced parallel application development by enabling diverse systems to be linked into a single virtual machine. This flexibility allows researchers and developers to utilize existing resources effectively without being restricted to identical hardware configurations. As a result, PVM has broadened the accessibility of parallel computing, encouraging innovation in various fields such as scientific research and data analysis, where leveraging different computational resources can lead to significant performance gains.

Related terms

Message Passing Interface (MPI): A standardized and portable message-passing system designed to allow processes to communicate with one another in a parallel computing environment.

Cluster Computing: A type of computing where multiple computers work together as a single system, often used to improve performance and provide high availability.

Distributed Computing: A model in which components of a software system are shared among multiple computers to improve efficiency and performance.