Languages for vector and parallel processors

This paper first considers the major developments which have occurred in the design of high level languages for sequential machines. These developments illustrate how languages which were independent of the hardware eventually evolved. Two major types of language for vector and parallel processors have evolved, namely, detection of parallelism languages and expression of machine parallelism languages. The disadvantages and advantages of each type of languages are examined. A third type of language is also considered which reflects neither the compiler's detection mechanism nor the underlying hardware. The syntax of this language enables the parallel nature of a problem to be expressed directly. The language is thus appropriate for both vector and array processors.