Because of fundamental differences in the architecture of operating systems today, multi-platform applications have to be tailored to each specific OS on their own, as they won’t work by simply compiling the source code which was developed for a certain platform on all alternatives available. Unix and Windows are an illustrative example in this regard, forcing developers that need their app to run on both operating systems to take a series of actions in order to adapt their code, a process referred to as porting. One Microsoft employee, working with people from InteropSystems, put together a project designed to streamline the porting of Unix apps on Windows, when it comes down to the high performance computing environments.

The Unix to Windows Porting Dictionary for HPC is currently live and accessible for devs around the world. The dictionary is designed with a focus on Unix calls, allowing users to easily find the Windows equivalent to Unix functions. In addition, the resource will also provide the header files associated with that specific function as well as a demonstration of how the header files can be used.

“This dictionary is organized by frequently used HPC Unix calls. Each entry show the Unix function, its Windows equivalent (if it exists), required header files, an example of use, and related discussion. As you (or your compiler) discovers functions that are platform-specific or otherwise need modification, you can look up the offending function to find out what changes should be done. Information not specific to a function as well as overall suggestions and strategies can be found in the Porting Tips,” revealed Wenming Ye, Microsoft technical evangelist.

Ye mentioned that it only took a team of four people to put together the dictionary. Still, it is important to note that the Unix to Windows Porting Dictionary for HPC is a work in progress. According to the official website for the resource, feedback from developers is welcome, as it will help Ye and his team expand the Windows Porting Dictionary for HPC with additional information.

“The inital selection of entries was chosen by surveying several popular, cross-platform libraries and applications from a wide range of fields -- everything from high-performance mathematical libraries to audio and video editing applications. We continue to add entries; to be notified of the latest updates, subscribe to the RSS feed. Of course, given the breadth of functions to cover, the information you need for your particular application may not be inlcuded yet. If you can't find what you're looking for, please let us know,” reads an excerpt from the website.