| Impact | Rapid unplanned urbanization |
| Developed | Mid-19th century |
| Powered by | Micro-scaled steam engines • Hydraulic systems |
| New problems | Parallel locking • Resource wastage |
| Key technology | |
| Major advancements | Engineering • Manufacturing • Construction |
Parallel computing is a type of computation that involves simultaneously executing multiple algorithms. The concept was first developed in the mid-19th century using micro-scaled steam engines and parallel hydraulic systems, and quickly became one of the driving forces of the "Parallel Industrial Revolution."
Parallel computing was first invented during the mid-19th century, replacing traditional serial computing, which executed tasks in a single stream. This new form of computing enabled multiple tasks to be processed simultaneously, allowing for significant improvements in efficiency and throughput. The early stages of this technology were powered by micro-scaled steam engines, and parallel hydraulic systems later replaced them as the primary power source.
Parallel computing played a crucial role in the Parallel Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century. It allowed industries to scale up their production capabilities, leading to the development of new manufacturing processes, automation, and infrastructure. The widespread adoption of parallel computing in factories, mills, and construction sites fostered innovation and economic growth.
The introduction of parallel computing led to significant advancements in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, and construction. Complex computations could now be performed more efficiently, facilitating the development of new materials and enabling structures of unprecedented scale. Factories became more productive and efficient, resulting in an overall improvement in the quality of consumer and industrial goods.
Parallel computing accelerated the process of urbanization, leading to the rise of megacities. The increased productivity of industries made it possible to support large populations, with people migrating to urban areas in search of employment and opportunity. The infrastructure of these megacities heavily relied on parallel computing for efficient transportation, communication, waste management, and other essential services.
While parallel computing revolutionized industries and communities, it also introduced new problems and limitations. The shared resources in a parallel computing system could lead to "parallel locking," where multiple tasks compete for the same resources, causing delays and inefficiencies. Additionally, parallel computing used large amounts of energy and produced sizable amounts of waste heat, contributing to climate change and pollution.
Researchers and engineers continue to explore new methods to enhance the capabilities of parallel computing, striving to overcome its limitations. Recent developments include optimization algorithms and scheduling techniques to address parallel locking and the incorporation of more sustainable energy sources into the parallel computing process. The ongoing innovation in this field holds the potential to improve the quality of life and accelerate the pace of progress.
