Parallel computing expert James Reinders says that XPUs are the Future of Compute
James Reinders, a 27-year Intel alum who recently rejoined Intel after a four-year stint as a parallel computing consultant and expert, recently wrote and published a comprehensive book about Data Parallel C++ (DPC++) titled “Data Parallel C++: Mastering DPC++ for Programming of Heterogeneous Systems using C++ and SYCL” (see “Springer and Intel publish new book on DPC++ parallel programming, and you can get a free PDF copy!”). DPC++ allows software developers to create code using a “single-source” writing style that can then generate parallel run-time code for heterogeneous processors including CPUs, GP-GPUS, FPGAs, and other hardware accelerators. As a class, Intel calls these processors “XPUs.” Now, Reinders has published an article titled “Heterogeneous Processing Requires Data Parallelization: SYCL and DPC++ are a Good Start” that provides a quick introduction to the XPU concept and looks at the future of heterogeneous parallel programming. In this article, Reinders writes: “SYCL and DPC++ will help us make effective use of XPUs. They are part of a broader push for support of XPUs that extends into libraries and all software development tools, building on the ambitions of SYCL and its compilers.” He continues: “That is the origin of the oneAPI industry initiative, which I’m really passionate about and was excited to be a part of as I rejoined Intel.” Later, in the article’s conclusion, Reinders writes: “I hope you’ll take the opportunity to get educated about SYCL, DPC++ and oneAPI because XPUs are the future of compute.” If you want to understand what has gotten Reinders so excited about XPUs, DPC++, and the oneAPI initiative, then give his article a read. Notices and Disclaimers Intel technologies may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. No product or component can be absolutely secure. Your costs and results may vary. © Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.