An empirically derived framework for classifying parallel program performance tuning problems
Anna Hondroudakis, Rob Procter · 1998
The results of research into the use of parallel program performance tuning tools demonstrate that, despite the large number of tools described in the literature, very few of them are actually used on any scale within the parallel programming community.Effective and efficient tuning is of great importance to parallel program development.In this paper we present the results of a study of the problems of tuning as identified by people for whom this task is a routine part of their work.A variety of techniques were employed in the investigation, including questionnaires, analysis of e-mail query logs and in-depth interviews.We analyst: the results to establish a framework for classifying tuning issues in terms of their characteristics and importance, and discuss its implications.Not least, a better understanding of what it is that makes tuning such a difficult task might lead to the improved design of tuning support tools.