Analysing Dataflow Multi-Threaded Applications at Runtime

Recently, dataflow-inspired execution models have gained popularity, due to better support for concurrent, multi-threaded execution. Dedicated hardware solutions have been proposed to help to harness the capability of dataflow-based execution models. Such models may benefit both HPC and Cloud applications which are sensitive to the communication latency and synchronisations. However, understanding the behaviour of a vast number of concurrent threads, as well as possible performance on a given hardware platform, remain a challenge. Moreover, the evaluation process often requires the usage and modification of complex simulation frameworks. To counter these challenges, we propose RADA - Runtime Analysis of Dataflow-based Applications, a simulation tool for fast evaluation of applications adhering to a hierarchical dataflow execution model. RADA provides an abstract model for different hardware platforms, also allowing to optimise the application for the execution on heterogeneous systems. In particular, RADA integrates an efficient scheduling mechanism, in the form of a runtime library, which allows the system to distribute the workload efficiently while minimising the synchronisation overhead. The output provided by RADA are of great help in analysing the traffic generated by the scheduling activity. Preliminary evaluation results show the significant benefit in adopting RADA for the assessment of dataflow based applications and execution models.