itaps-parallel Proposal for handling queries with parts, sets, and partitions

[Onkar Sahni]

>
> So the bottom line is that we're looking at, if my count is correct, no
> more than ten functions that will need to be modified in any way.  If
> that small number turns out to really be correct in everyone else's
> view, then it's a manageable enough number that it isn't absolutely
> anathema to -duplicate- a function or two so that the serial interface
> doesn't have to carry around a bunch of null handles as args (or maybe
> we could add a macro to expand something like the current serial version
> to the full version with extra args).
>

I agree with Carl, a bunch of extra handles (that may be null most of the
time) will make interface confusing, likely to do errors and burdensome
(in using it, learning it etc.) and it will not be a good idea. Without
extra part (and partition) handles will likely keep, serial and parallel
portions, clean and separate.

- Onkar