StreamIt: A Language for Streaming Applications

We characterize high-performance streaming applications as a new and distinct domain of programs that is becoming increasingly important. The StreamIt language provides novel high-level representations to improve programmer productivity and program robustness within the streaming domain. At the same time, the StreamIt compiler aims to improve the performance of streaming applications via stream-specific analyses and optimizations. In this paper, we motivate, describe and justify the language features of StreamIt, which include: a structured model of streams, a messaging system for control, a re-initialization mechanism, and a natural textual syntax.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: CC
• Authors: William Thies, Michal Karczmarek, Saman P. Amarasinghe
• Keywords: CC 2002, Distinct Domain, StreamIt Compiler, StreamIt Language, System Software