The Howdy Glossary

Futhark is a functional programming language created to facilitate high-performance programs targeting GPUs and data-parallel accelerators. It incorporates strong typing, defaults to immutability, and operates on multi-dimensional arrays known as SOACs (second-order array combinators). Programs are expressed as pure, first-order functions that abstract the complexities of parallel programming. The compiler can generate OpenCL or CUDA code, focusing on efficiency through functional design principles and static analysis strategies.

Created by Troels Henriksen, Futhark aims to simplify GPU programming by offering a higher level of abstraction compared to languages like CUDA and OpenCL. While both CUDA and OpenCL are established solutions with extensive user bases focusing on explicit GPU programming and heterogeneous computing, Futhark differentiates itself through its strong emphasis on functional programming principles. By representing computations in terms of pure functions over multi-dimensional arrays (SOACs) coupled with static analysis and optimization strategies, Futhark provides a concise and safe approach for expressing complex parallel computations efficiently.

Futhark's unique features include its immutability-by-default paradigm, strong typing system, and use of higher-order functions for efficient parallel computation expression. These features offer significant competitive advantages over traditional GPU programming languages by abstracting low-level details while ensuring high performance through optimized code generation for OpenCL or CUDA platforms. Designed for developers who seek simplicity in managing the intricacies of GPU programming without sacrificing efficiency or safety, Futhark presents itself as an accessible tool for programmers interested in leveraging the power of GPUs via a functional approach to parallel computing.