Chapter 1. An Introduction to OpenCL

When learning a new programming model, it is easy to become lost in a sea of details. APIs and strange new terminology seemingly appear from nowhere, creating needless complexity and sowing confusion. The key is to begin with a clear high-level understanding, to provide a map to fall back on when the going gets tough.

The purpose of this chapter is to help you construct that map. We begin with a brief overview of the OpenCL 1.1 specification and the heterogeneous computing trends that make it such an important programming standard. We then describe the conceptual models behind OpenCL and use them to explain how OpenCL works. At this point, the theoretical foundation of OpenCL is established, and we move on to consider the components of OpenCL. A key part of this is how OpenCL works with graphics standards. We complete our map of the OpenCL landscape by briefly looking at how the OpenCL standard works with embedded processors.