OS X Grand Central and Multi-Threading...

[sfwdiy]

Here's a good discussion of Apple's Grand Central and multi-core,parallel processing over on Gizmodo if anyone wants to learn more about the specifics of the technology, and about multi-core processing in general. Interesting stuff.

http://gizmodo.com/5346616/giz-explains-snow-leopards-grand-central-dispatch

--B

[rynando]

Thanks for posting that. Unfortunatly, like most things that deal with Apple "technology" it's hard to read without throwing up in your mouth a little.

Here's a more objective article on the subject (mostly on the need for highly parallel apps) that's still very readable by non-developers:

Developer World

On most platforms (including OSX) developers have been managing threading themselves for quite some time now. It is challenging but the rewards of doing it right and having complete control over the process (I'm nodding towards Adobe right now) are great.

R

[sfwdiy]

In other words, why are we trying to re-create Google-style parallelism on our desktops when we could just have Google handle the heavy lifting for us?

Interesting take, but I think that Macs, at least Mac Pros in particular are purpose built for activities that would most benefit from the ability to effectively utilize multi-core parallel processing.

These workstations are most commonly found in one of three environments: Video editing, graphic design and recording studios. Like you said, Adobe is already jumping on the train, which is good news. If Avid's products could take advantage of parallel processing effectively that would be great for audio and video engineers.

--B