Benchmarks for Low-Level System Programming

Background

Programming on the leading edge of high-performance computing or time-critical real-time systems requires more than just correctly working programs. Many details of memory access patterns, the choice of system calls, threading and much more must be regarded to create near-to optimal code. A good algorithm on an improper memory layout can lead to false-sharing and thus to slower results. Operating System implementors can use new ways to enter systems calls (syscall/sysenter) instead of the classical interrupt/trap method. Function inlining avoids the overhead of function calls for the cost of added code size.

All these and much more methods are more or less known. But how much do they really achieve? How long takes a function call, or the different methods of a system call, or the creation of a thread?

Assingment

• Investigation on programming myths
• Evaluation of existing benchmarks
• Identification of details to measure
• Programming of needed benchmark routines
• Execute benchmarks on different systems
• Document and analyse results

We offer

• Comfortable working-environment, as well as a good equipped Computer infrastructure
• Personal and engaged supervision

Profil of requirements

• Intermediate diploma of Electro- and Informationstechnics or (technical) computer science
• Alternatively the according prerequisites for a Bachelor's thesis
• Basic programming skills in C/C++
• Understanding of Operating System and Hardware Internals
• Linux experience recommended
• Competence to work autonomous and creative

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