Implementing Prolog on Distributed Systems:

Abstract

: A method for distributing Prolog across multiple processors is described. Design criterion and rationale are delineated along with the assumptions behind the methodology. The underlying assumptions are based on the need to provide each processor with maximum sequential work. The parallelization mechanism was implemented using a meta-interpreter that includes new predicates for dependency detection, job queuing, queue solving, and queue maintenance. Debugging and side effects issues are addressed. Benchmark results are also presented. 1. History In 1988, we began the design of Prolog that would operate in parallel over any number of computing processors. As a commercial company, our goal was to provide a high level tool for systems programmers using parallel or distributed systems. To date, the result of our efforts have produced several prototypes and a commercial version which goes by the name of n-parallel PROLOG. During the course of development, we learned several things about ..