Parallelism in a computer program is the ability to run it faster by using more than one processor at the same time. Parallel programming is the act of writing programs that can harness such parallelism. This becomes particularly relevant when there are no other optimization options left such as using a faster processor or algorithm. Given that technical constraints, in particular power consumption, limit the speed of individual processors, parallelism is permeating the world of computers.

However, the principle of parallelism predates the age of computers by far. Already our ancestors applied parallelism whenever a problem such as hunting big animals, harvesting a field, or constructing a house exceeded the capacity of individuals. Today, teamwork is the rule rather than the exception in almost every organization. The work in a team should be balanced, and team members need to synchronize their efforts to maintain the correct order among subtasks and avoid confusion.

 

Parallel programmers face similar challenges when orchestrating the work of multiple processors. Unfortunately, no compiler exists that can translate an arbitrary sequential program into a correct and efficient parallel program, leaving most of the work to human experts. To make their task easier and save their time, we create methods, tools, and algorithms that support the development and deployment of parallel software systems in various stages of their life cycle. In addition, we teach our students the skills to successfully exploit parallelism in their programs.

Prof. Dr. Felix Wolf

 
S2|02 E217
Hochschulstr. 10
64289 Darmstadt
Germany

Location

 

Technical University of Darmstadt
Department of Computer Science
Laboratory for Parallel Programming
Building S2|02, Room E218
Hochschulstr. 10
64289 Darmstadt

 

Directions to the Laboratory for Parallel Programming

By car

Please enter our street address (Hochschulstr. 10, 64289 Darmstadt) in your navigation system. Note that there is not much parking space close to the building. There are two parking garages (no free parking) in walking distance. One is at the Darmstadtium (6 – 7 minutes walk). The other is called Schlossgarage (5 minutes walk).

 

By train

From Darmstadt Central Station please take the bus or tram, exit on stop Willy-Brandt-Platz and follow the walking directions.

 

By plane

Our location is about 25 km away from Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). You can either take the Airliner bus (~ 9 EUR), which runs every 60 minutes from Terminal 1. Please exit on stop Darmstadt Kongresszentrum Darmstadtium and follow the walking directions. Or you can get one of the taxis waiting outside the arrival area of the airport, which is about 50 – 60 EUR one way. Depending on the traffic, it takes 20 – 30 minutes.

 

Inside the building

Our offices are located in the E-wing of the Robert-Piloty building (S2|02) on the 2nd floor (one level above the ground floor).