The Distributed Array Query and Visualization (DAQV) framework is an addition to High Performance Fortran (HPF) intended to assist in a high-level analysis of data being processed on a parallel computer. Native HPF provides tools for debugging and performance enhancement, but not for application-level analysis. For example, as distributed array data are being processed, there are no tools to assist in visualizing the contents of the arrays. Instead, programmers must resort to such techniques as printing the data for examination. In models that are processed by iteration, making runs and adjusting parameters using the print technique can be tedious. With DAQV, the effect of parameter settings can be analyzed during execution, allowing changes to be made dynamically. This can shorten the time between runs from hours to minutes in some situations.

DAQV operates in the HPF environment by providing subroutine calls that activate its components from within a running program. When this is done, the array data become available for inspection and other processing, such as graphical display. DAQV is called a “framework” to indicate that it takes a high-level view of its operations and is intended to be portable to multiple environments.

The paper is well written and has a reasonable reference list. It covers design, functions, implementation, results, and two applications of DAQV. It also presents related and future work. Implementation--that is, design and operational requirements imposed by the HPF execution environment--is the heart of the work. This paper should be of most interest to those working in areas where parallel computation using HPF is a requirement.