Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!husc6!necntc!ames!ucbcad!ucbvax!NCSC.ARPA!vtcf
From: vtcf@NCSC.ARPA (Williams)
Newsgroups: comp.os.vms
Subject: Parallel programming
Message-ID: <8709302109.AA11570@ncsc.ARPA>
Date: Wed, 30-Sep-87 17:09:20 EDT
Article-I.D.: ncsc.8709302109.AA11570
Posted: Wed Sep 30 17:09:20 1987
Date-Received: Mon, 5-Oct-87 02:52:58 EDT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Distribution: world
Organization: The ARPA Internet
Lines: 33


Hello all,

I want to write a program that does the following:

1) spawn two or more subprocesses that act out some scenario (maybe a 
   dogfight or something).  These subprocesses may spawn other subprocesses
   that perform some function for their parents.

2) have a global data area that collects all pertinent data from these
   subprocesses, which these subprocesses would read and write to.

3) spawn another process that sends this data to a graphics workstation
   so it can "act out" the scenario graphically

I'm ordering the Parallel library routines from DECUS so I won't have to
get too deep into system services, but I have a few questions about it.
I have the book, "Introduction to Parallel Programming" put out by DEC,
that explains the PLIB routines, but it's a little hazy on spawning
subprocesses that spawn subprocesses. Especially if you may not know how
many subprocesses you'll end up with.  Can this be done with these routines,
or do I have to just dive into the system services?  I'm new to this type
of programming, so any help (hints, horror stories, etc.) would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks

Tom Williams
Code 4210
Naval Coastal Systems Center
(904) 234-4699

vtcf@ncsc.arpa