AADEBUG 2000 MAD Debugging Activities

Title: AADEBUG 2000 MAD Debugging Activities

Research Question: How effective is the MAD debugging environment for monitoring and debugging parallel and distributed programs?

Methodology: The research team developed the MAD debugging environment, which is designed for monitoring and debugging parallel programs using the Message-Passing Interface (MPI). The environment offers several features to aid in the debugging process, such as interactive inspection mechanisms, visualization of distributed arrays, and monitoring overhead removal.

Results: The research found that MAD is effective in providing a graphical representation of a program's execution, making it easier for users to understand and debug their programs. The environment's features, such as breakpoint placement and inspection of variables and communication events, were well-received. Additionally, MAD's ability to handle nondeterministic program behavior and its record&replay mechanism were particularly useful in identifying and analyzing race conditions.

Implications: The MAD debugging environment is a valuable tool for debugging parallel and distributed programs. Its graphical representation and interactive features make it easier for users to comprehend their program's behavior and locate errors. The research also highlights the importance of addressing the unique challenges of parallel programming in the debugging process.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0012012v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0012012v1