ScaLAPACK and Batik

ScaLAPACK = Scalable Linear Algebra Package.

It is a compilation of Linear Algebra functions for parallel computation. It is meant to make your life easier by providing us with the general subroutines, to which arguments need to be passed and that's all a mere mortal like us needs to do. They do the magic and tadaaa.. here comes the result.

Sounds simple, but the arguments to be passed on are TWENTY NINE, for the pdsyevx _() I was asked to use. Funny names. Puzzling mapping of variables as the original program is written by the TA (I never like modifying other's program).

And.. it's the first time in my SMA life that my program runs well straight away!! (Almost) no debugging (well I did miss 1 out of 29 arguments at first)!! Yayy!! I was actually freaked out last night as all my peers said it's damn confusing.

So one lesson learnt: apply a batik-painter patience.

I read an article once that one very famous Indonesian surgeon (I'm sorry sir I forget your name) applies this batik-painting patience to separate a pair of conjoined twin. He claims it to be his key of success.

I am nowhere close to a patient person, let alone batik-painter patience. But last night (oh, this morning actually) I had to. Haiz. Sigh. Inhale. Exhale.

And yeah. It's paid off.

Let me enjoy this joy overload. Ten minutes. Then another assignment. Sigh. Double sigh. Triple sigh.

batik: a method of dying a fabric using wax, on which beautiful intricate (sometimes ornate) patterns are painted. We, Indonesian, are very proud of this fine arts. Somehow it exudes beauty, humility, elegance and of course, the cultural richness of our country.