Ewing Lusk

Early Applications in the Message-Passing Interface Mpi

We describe a number of early efforts to make use of the Message-Passing Interface (MPI) standard in appli cations, based on an informal survey conducted in May-June, 1994. Rather than a definitive statement of all MPI developmental work, this paper addresses the initial successes, progress, and impressions that appli cation developers have had with MPI, according to the responses received. We summarize the important as pects of each survey response, and draw conclusions about the spread of MPI into applications. An understanding of message passing and access to the MPI standard are prerequisites for appreciating this paper. Some background material is provided to ease this requirement.