Evolving the Unix System Interface to Support Multithreaded Programs

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Author

Paul R McJones,Garret F Swart

Entry type

techreport

Abstract

Multiple threads (program counters executing in the same address space) make it easier to write programs that deal with related asynchronous activities and that execute faster on shared-memory multiprocessors. Supporting multiple threads places new constraints on the design of operating system interfaces. Part I of this report presents guidelines for designing (or redesigning) interfaces for multithreaded clients. We show how these guidelines were used to design an interface to UNIX-compatible file and process management facilities in the Topaz operating system. Two implementations of this interface are in everyday use: a native one for the Firefly multiprocessor, and a layered one running within a UNIX process. Part II is the actual programmer's manual for the interface discussed in Part I.

Date

1987 – September

Address

Palo Alto, CA 94301

Institution

Digital Systems Research Center

Key alpha

McJones

Volume

Publication Date

0000-00-00

Location

A hard-copy of this is in the Papers Cabinet

BibTex-formatted data

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@Techreport{ McJones,
	title = "Evolving the Unix System Interface to Support Multithreaded Programs",
	author = "Paul R McJones,Garret F Swart",
	year = "1987",
	month = "September",
	address = "Palo Alto, CA 94301",
	institution = "Digital Systems Research Center",
	volume = "21",
	abstract = "Multiple threads (program counters executing in the same address space) make it
easier to write programs that deal with related asynchronous activities and
that execute faster on shared-memory multiprocessors. Supporting multiple
threads places new constraints on the design of operating system interfaces.
Part I of this report presents guidelines for designing (or redesigning)
interfaces for multithreaded clients. We show how these guidelines were used
to design an interface to UNIX-compatible file and process management
facilities in the Topaz operating system. Two implementations of this interface
are in everyday use: a native one for the Firefly multiprocessor, and a layered
one running within a UNIX process. Part II is the actual programmer's manual
for the interface discussed in Part I.",
}