Multi‐language programming environments for high performance Java computing

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Getov, Vladimir^; | Gray, Paul | Mintchev, Sava | Sunderam, Vaidy

Affiliations: School of Computer Science, University of Westminster, Harrow HA1 3TP, UK | Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author: V. Getov, School of Computer Science University of Westminster, Watford Rd., Northwick Park, Harrow HA1 3TP, UK. Tel.: +44 171 9115917; Fax: +44 171 9115906; E‐mail: V.S.Getov@wmin.ac.uk.

Abstract: Recent developments in processor capabilities, software tools, programming languages and programming paradigms have brought about new approaches to high performance computing. A steadfast component of this dynamic evolution has been the scientific community’s reliance on established scientific packages. As a consequence, programmers of high‐performance applications are reluctant to embrace evolving languages such as Java. This paper describes the Java‐to‐C Interface (JCI) tool which provides application programmers wishing to use Java with immediate accessibility to existing scientific packages. The JCI tool also facilitates rapid development and reuse of existing code. These benefits are provided at minimal cost to the programmer. While beneficial to the programmer, the additional advantages of mixed‐language programming in terms of application performance and portability are addressed in detail within the context of this paper. In addition, we discuss how the JCI tool is complementing other ongoing projects such as IBM’s High‐Performance Compiler for Java (HPCJ) and IceT’s metacomputing environment.

Journal: Scientific Programming, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 139-146, 1999