An Array Algebra

TL;DR

This paper proposes an array algebra designed for distributed multi-dimensional array processing, inspired by relational algebra, to facilitate scientific data manipulation and distribution.

Contribution

It introduces a novel algebraic framework for distributed array processing, adapting relational algebra concepts to multi-dimensional array data.

Findings

Provides a formal algebraic system for distributed array operations

Facilitates array data re-arrangement and distribution strategies

Lays groundwork for integrating with scientific processing libraries

Abstract

This is a proposal of an algebra which aims at distributed array processing. The focus lies on re-arranging and distributing array data, which may be multi-dimensional. The context of the work is scientific processing; thus, the core science operations are assumed to be taken care of in external libraries or languages. A main design driver is the desire to carry over some of the strategies of the relational algebra into the array domain.