June 23rd, 2024

Memory Model: The Hard Bits

This chapter explores OCaml's memory model, emphasizing relaxed memory aspects, compiler optimizations, weakly consistent memory, and DRF-SC guarantee. It clarifies data races, memory classifications, and simplifies reasoning for programmers. Examples highlight data race scenarios and atomicity.

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Memory Model: The Hard Bits

This chapter on OCaml's memory model delves into the details of its relaxed memory model, focusing on values observable when reading memory locations. It targets experts seeking a practitioner's perspective on OCaml's memory model intricacies. The chapter extends the PLDI 2018 paper on data race bounding and covers pragmatic aspects not detailed in the paper. It discusses weakly consistent memory, compiler optimizations like common sub-expression elimination impacting sequential reasoning, hardware reordering effects on memory locations, and the DRF-SC guarantee linking data race freedom to sequential consistency. The text explains memory locations classification, happens-before relations, data races, and how DRF-SC simplifies reasoning for programmers. Examples illustrate data races in non-atomic locations, array fields, and record fields, contrasting with atomic locations. The chapter concludes with a discussion on message-passing and the use of atomic variables for non-blocking inter-domain communication in OCaml.

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