How do you teach and learn PGAS concepts and skills for HPC?

2 Choose a PGAS language or library

There are several PGAS languages and libraries available for HPC, each with its own syntax, features, and advantages. Some of the most popular ones are Unified Parallel C (UPC), Coarray Fortran (CAF), Chapel, X10, and Global Arrays. You should choose one that suits your needs, preferences, and background. You can also use hybrid models that combine PGAS with other paradigms, such as MPI or OpenMP.

3 Learn by doing

The best way to learn PGAS programming is by doing. You can start by studying some examples of PGAS code, such as the ones provided by the PGAS Forum or the PGAS tutorials. You can also find online courses, books, and papers that cover PGAS topics and applications. You should try to write, compile, run, and debug your own PGAS programs, using simple problems or benchmarks at first, and then moving to more complex or realistic scenarios. You should also experiment with different PGAS options and parameters, such as the number of processes, the distribution of data, the synchronization modes, and the communication patterns.

4 Compare and contrast

Another way to learn PGAS programming is by comparing and contrasting it with other HPC models, such as MPI or OpenMP. You can analyze the similarities and differences in terms of syntax, semantics, performance, scalability, and ease of use. You can also port or rewrite some existing HPC programs from one model to another, and observe the changes and challenges involved. You can also use tools and metrics that can help you evaluate and compare the performance and efficiency of different HPC models, such as the Roofline model, the HPC Challenge benchmark, or the Parallel Research Kernels.

5 Collaborate and communicate

Learning PGAS programming is not a solitary activity. You can benefit from collaborating and communicating with other PGAS users and experts, such as your peers, instructors, mentors, or colleagues. You can join online communities, forums, mailing lists, or social media platforms that focus on PGAS or HPC topics. You can also attend workshops, webinars, conferences, or hackathons that offer PGAS training or networking opportunities. You can also seek feedback, advice, or support from others who have more experience or knowledge in PGAS programming.

6 Keep up to date

PGAS programming is a dynamic and evolving field. You should keep up to date with the latest developments, trends, and innovations in PGAS and HPC. You should follow the news, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters that cover PGAS or HPC topics. You should also check the websites or repositories of the PGAS languages or libraries that you use, and update your versions or skills accordingly. You should also explore new or emerging PGAS or HPC technologies, such as GPUs, FPGAs, cloud computing, or quantum computing.