Linda meets Unix

The limitations of the shared-memory and distributed-memory models for explicit parallel programming are discussed and a new model, the Linda parallel communication paradigm which was designed specifically for parallel programming, is examined. Processes communicate in Linda by way of a shared data space called tuple space which acts something like an associative memory, since tuples are identified by matching on a key rather than using a specific address. This model is adapted for use as the basis of a new class of operating systems and a specific instance, QIX, is presented. Like Linda, this operating system model can support both the shared-memory and the distributed-memory styles of programming. Thus, it provides the benefits of both, while avoiding hardware dependencies. QIX also incorporates a novel scheme for name resolution that is easier to use than other methods and provides significant benefits in the operating system and it directly supports communication between programs written in different languages.<>