= Introduction =

The Parawiki is a Wiki dedicated to provide a single online resource for all questions regarding parallel computing. Its target audience are the creators and users of parallel programming systems, as well as everyone interested in parallel computing in general. While a neutral point of view is encouraged, the Parawiki is also a place where actual user experiences with parallel programming systems are described (which cannot be neutral by definition). The wiki went online in March 2005 and uses the MediaWiki software. All contributions are licensed under the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_License GNU Free Documentation License].

= Goals =

There does not seem to exist a unified online resource for parallel programmers to gather and exchange ideas and experiences about parallel programming systems. A wiki seems suitable for this purpose, and therefore the Programming Languages / Methodologies Group of the University of Kassel decided to create the Parawiki in March 2005. Another big reason for the creation of this resource is the ability to gather a quick overview over the field of parallel programming (especially for, but not limited to, students).

= Classification =

The wiki is a part of a bigger project, with the working title: [http://www.plm.eecs.uni-kassel.de/plm/eval_pps Evaluation of parallel programming systems]. This project is described in more detail in this [http://www.plm.eecs.uni-kassel.de/plm/fileadmin/pm/publications/suess/introEvalPPS.pdf short introductory paper]. A second noteworthy part of this project is a [http://www.plm.eecs.uni-kassel.de/parasurvey Parallel Programming Survey], presently conducted to gather more information about parallel programmers and their work on parallel programming.

= Features =

Thanks to the script and the Webdot software. They are meant to give a quick overview over certain topics. At the same time they can be used as tables of content. These trees are not static, new ones can be created and existing ones can be changed by any contributor.

= Present status =

Presently, the Parawiki has more than 20 users and it contains more than 170 pages (many of which are still stubs). The critical mass for adoption in the parallel programming community is obviously not reached yet, and therefore work continues by the Programming Languages / Methodologies group to enhance the contents of the Parawiki.

= External links =