P4 (programming language): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:31, 16 April 2016

Revision as of 10:09, 4 May 2016

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===Target independence===

P4 programs are designed to be '''implementation-independent''', meaning they can be compiled against many different types of execution machines such as general-purpose CPUs, FPGAs, system(s)-on-chip, network processors, and ASICs. These different types of machines are known as P4 '''targets''', and each target must be provided along with a [[compiler]] that convertsmaps the P4 source code into ana executabletarget formatswitch model. As many of the initial targets for P4 programs were used for simple packet switching it is very common to hear the term “P4 switch” used, even though “P4 target” is more formally correct.

===Protocol independence===