P4 (programming language): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 09:54, 27 November 2017

Revision as of 10:15, 27 November 2017

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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 maps the P4 source code into a target switch model. The compiler may be embedded in the target device, an externally running software, or even a cloud service <ref>{{cite web|url=https://np4.netcope.com|title=Netcope P4 Cloud|date=October 2017|accessdate=27 November 2017}}</ref>. 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===