parallel-netcdf-0.9.0, NEC SX

[rene.redler]

Hello,

based on the parallel-netcdf-0.9.0 I downloaded on Monday this week
I did some first tests on the SX using the SX make (obviously close to 
the UNIX make)

When trying to process the files in src/libf in order to add them to the 
already existing libpnetcdf.a (from src/lib) the dependencies cannot be 
resolved properly. The make builds the .o file in src/libf but does not 
update the already existing libpnetcdf.a, perhaps because it does not 
consider the date of the .o files but takes the date of the .f files 
instead (which are of course older then the libpnetcdf.a). The simple 
workaround was to invoke the make for src/libf twice. I am not sure 
whether I should provide another portable solution to you for the 
Makefile.in in src/lib and /src/libf or whether you already have some 
ideas how to eliminate this particular problem.

When trying to create the Fortran tests nf_test and fandc the loader 
terminated with an error because of undefined symbols. Reason is that 
already all routines are defined in pnetcdf.inc, while not all are
implemented; and although declared as external the loader is expecting  
them by default. To overcome this I had to specify a flag for the 
compiler: -Wl"-h nodefs". I thought that this could be done by setting the 
environment variable FFLAGS, but the Makefile in test/fandc does not use 
FFLAGS at all and test/nf_test overwrites FFLAGS with something defined 
elsewhere.

Taking this into account the Fortran tests fandc and nf_test succeeded.

Furthermore I noticed that pnetcdf.inc defines several routines nfmpi__* 
which are probably not needed anymore and can perhaps be eliminated from 
the pnetcdf.inc.

On the SX integer*1 does not exist which is correctly detected during 
the configure step, and therefore no int1 interfaces are built. 
Nevertheless they are defined in the pnetcdf.inc . Without the additional  
flag (see above) this will remain a problem and requires the additional 
flag when linking any application with the pnetcdf library. Such is not 
required with the serial PnetCDF but unfortunately I don't know why. Any 
ideas from your side?

Nevertheless it is tempting now to use your library for a parallel 
application in the field of ocean modeling.

I am sorry for this long note.

Rene


   _______________________________________________________________

      René Redler
      C&C Research Laboratories
      NEC Europe Ltd.                   Tel: +49 (0)2241 925240
      Rathausallee 10                   Fax: +49 (0)2241 925299 
      53757 Sankt Augustin              URL: www.ccrl-nece.de/~redler
   _______________________________________________________________