Programming Background

Programming concepts are introduced gradually. The use of constructs based on algebraic formulas which is common to programming languages such as Basic, Fortran, Pascal and C is introduced first, using simple wage calculation problems and Anglish operators. As the text proceeds, more formalized syntax is introduced to address those issues that have strong computer science impact. For example, the scalar/parallel - singular/plural relationship between parallel programming and natural language is formalized. The distinction between data parallelism and task parallelism are explained. Techniques for analyzing the tradeoffs between different data organizations (i.e. should all of the data be organized into one large table, or should several smaller tables be used?) are presented.

Parallel computing is normally divided into two major camps - data parallel and control parallel. Most researchers agree that control parallelism is more difficult than conventional sequential programming. It's technology borrows heavily and is closely related to multi-tasking operating systems.

Data parallel computing on the other hand is easy. Even easier than conventional programming. It's paradigms borrow from conventions found in every day life. Predominately natural language (English) for control and tables for data structures. Anglish uses pata parallelism. It does not address control parallelism.