Code optimization with single instruction, multiple data
Strong Arm Performance
© Lead Image © vectortatu, 123RF.com
Coding for the ARM NEON vector hardware can significantly improve performance and help you get the most out of low-power systems such as the Raspberry Pi.
You have just coded that new algorithm, the one that handles all the complexities of your data to return exactly the answers you need. As you launch the program and wait, you realize that you have a problem: You are still waiting. The code is slow, far too slow to be usable. You need faster processing, preferably without upgrading your hardware.
Before you reach for the other cores on your processor, it makes sense to see if you can optimize the code for a single core first. Any single-core optimizations will reduce the number of cores ultimately needed. Taking advantage of any available single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) hardware is an effective means of accelerating mathematically intensive problems. SIMD (vector) hardware uses parallel arithmetic units executing the same operation on multiple elements of data within the same clock cycle.
ARM's implementation of SIMD, called NEON, is relatively intuitive and effective. The NEON instructions operate on 128 bits (16 bytes) of data per clock, either as sixteen 8-bit characters, eight 16-bit short integers, or even four 32-bit floating-point numbers. Modern compilers, such as GCC, have the ability to vectorize code automatically during optimization [1], but you often have room for improvement if you are willing to use the NEON instructions directly.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.