The purpose of this book has been to introduce the reader to the subject of parallel computing. In attempting to make the subject digestible, it is inevitable that a great deal of advanced material has been omitted. The reader whose interest has been kindled is directed to the bibliography, which follows this chapter, as a starting point for continued studies. In particular, a more rigorous treatment of advanced computer architectures is available in Advanced Computer Architectures by Hwang.

It should also be noted that parallel computing is a field in which progress occurs at a prodigious rate. So much work is being done that some startling new insight or technique is sure to be announced just after this book goes to press. In what follows, the reader should bear in mind the developing nature of the field. Nevertheless, a great deal of material has been presented here, and it is worthwhile making some attempt to summarise it in a structured manner.

I have attempted to make clear in the preceding chapters that understanding parallel computing is an hierarchical process. A valuable degree of insight into the subject can be obtained even at the level considered in the first chapter, where three basic classes or types of approach were identified. Thereafter, each stage of the process should augment the understanding already achieved. It is up to each reader to decide on the level of detail required.