Software Vectorization Handbook, The: Applying Intel Multimedia Extensions for Maximum Performance

Rating:
Summary: excellent for bleeding edge programmers
Review: Bik's book provides a highly detailed explanation of how compilers exploit parallel instruction sets on processors like Intel's Pentium 4. This should be a reference for any programmer who needs to write high performance software, but doesn't want to spend months writing assembly. The book uses examples from Intel's latest compilers (kids: don't try this on your Microsoft compiler) and helps to explain some of those obscure (but extremely important) compiler features like the "restrict" keyword.
I found this book to be useful in explaining why my software wouldn't vectorize. The book describes the use of several compiler options that help you debug vectorization problems in your software. And fortuantely, Intel allows you to download and use their C++ and Fortran compiler for free (for non-commercial use) - see Intel's software website. When used with a good reference like Dr. Bik's work, your highly parallel kernels don't stand a chance.