Introduction to the Problems
The introduction highlights the challenges associated with porting and ensuring portability of software across different computer architectures. It explains that while most software is written in high-level languages, making it potentially portable, some code may contain architecture-specific elements due to various factors such as system assumptions, variable/word size, endianness, or reliance on platform-specific features. It also mentions that Assembly Language programming, once prevalent for performance and hardware access, has diminished in relevance due to advancements in compilers and libraries.
The introduction introduces the AArch64 architecture as a recent addition, noting that open-source software has started to run on it, but optimization may still be lacking compared to older architectures. Benchmarking and profiling are explained as methods for evaluating software performance and identifying bottlenecks.
Optimization is described as the process of improving software performance through algorithm substitution, operation sequence alteration, architecture-specific coding, or build process changes. It emphasizes the need to maintain correct results and avoid performance regressions for different system configurations and goals.
The concept of "performance" is said to vary depending on specific system requirements, including factors like memory usage, execution speed, CPU utilization, or power consumption. Compiler optimization and build process alterations can significantly impact these trade-offs.
Lastly, the introduction touches upon the complexity of the software build process, including multiple stages, numerous source files, and various build configuration options. It underscores the importance of consistency in building software for achieving consistent benchmark results and mentions that build times for complex packages can be extensive.
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