SPO600 - Software Portability and Optimization

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:41:39.835
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:10.417


Subject Title
Software Portability and Optimization

Subject Description
This course introduces students to the dual challenges of porting software to run on new architectures and optimizing software performance. Students will learn to identify and replace architecture-specific code segments, benchmark software performance, and alter software to increase performance. This is a project-based course, and students will work within an established Open Source community to port and/or optimize an existing program. The particular open source community or communities to be studied will vary with each offering and be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Credit Status
One credit in the CNS, CTY, CPD, and CPA programs.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:


  • Identify the differences between two computer architectures.

  • Describe the process of porting software to a new architecture.

  • Identify architecture-specific code segments.

  • Read assembly-language code.

  • Benchmark and profile software performance.

  • Optimize software performance.

  • Use the tools of open source development particular to the OS project being studied. For example: distributed revision control; documentation tools; automated build and test systems; debuggers; source code utilities; tracking systems; on-line resources, etc.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
IPC144 and (OPS435, or OOP344, or OOP345)

Topic Outline

Topic Outline:

  • Overview of computer architecture – 15%

    • Architectural features

    • Portability issues

  • Assembly language programming – 15%

    • Instruction set architectures

    • Interpreting assembly language code

    • Writing equivalent assembler for alternate platforms

    • Replacing assembler with portable code

  • Compiler options and optimization – 15%

    • Compiler options affecting portability

  • Benchmarking and Profiling – 15%

    • Reliable benchmarking

    • Profiling tools and procedures

  • Optimizing Software – 20%

    • Understanding performance characteristics

    • Performance trade-offs

    • Algorithm selection and replacement

  • Working with Open Source Communities – 20%

    • Communication

    • Collaboration

    • Submitting software changes

    • Code review practices

 

Mode of Instruction
4 hours per week in an active learning classroom.

Prescribed Texts
None.

Reference Material


Course wiki pages

(Additional web resources will vary and will be identified during the course).

Required Supplies
Will vary with project.

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).


Modes of Evaluation

Project deliverables 60%
Communication (including Wiki and Blog) 20%
Labs and Quizzes 20%

Academic Support and Expectations
Missed Tests / Presentations / In-Class Assignments
Students who miss scheduled tests, presentations, or in-class or online assignments will receive a grade of zero.  If there are valid reasons for missing the test, presentation, or in-class assignment, the student MUST:
a)         Contact the professor or student advisor by email prior to the start time of the test, presentation, or in-class or online assignment, and
b)         Provide documentation where appropriate.
At the professor’s discretion, a make-up test/in-class assignment or new date for the presentation may be granted or the value of the test may be added to a subsequent test or final exam. 
 
 
Participation in Online Courses
Consistent online access is important for success in this subject. You are responsible for all online material and assignments; in addition, you need to be checking your Seneca e-mail on a daily basis for updates and other related information. While weekly updates and related e-mails will be provided, it is your responsibility to keep up with the content and maintain an active online presence.
Considerate online conduct, adequate preparation, and constructive online participation will be expected from each student and will enhance your academic experience and that of your fellow students. In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible, and collaborative, where relevant.
 
Learning Centre
The Learning Centre offers academic support to all Seneca students in the form of one-on-one tutoring, small group tutoring, and workshops and can be located at either the Newnham, Markham, York, or King campus.  Students can visit The Learning Centre in person to book an appointment or watch a tutorial on booking a tutoring appointment online at www.senecapolytechnic.ca/learningcentres.  
 
Dropping a Subject
There are two deadlines for dropping this subject.  If you drop by Day 10 of the semester, the subject will not appear on your transcript.  If you drop by the last drop date, the subject will appear on your transcript with a grade of DNC.  To drop, please notify your professor, complete a “Timetable Change Form,” and return it to Registration by the deadline.  Discuss any possible negative consequences of dropping the subject with your academic coordinator or student advisor.

Approved by: Mary-Lynn Manton