A roadmap for the GraphBLAS C++ API

Abstract

The GraphBLAS are building blocks for expressing graph algorithms in terms of linear algebra. Currently, the GraphBLAS are defined as a C API. Implementations of the GraphBLAS have exposed limitations in expressiveness and performance due to limitations in C. A move to C++ should address many of these limitations while providing a simpler API. Furthermore, for methods based on user-defined types and operators, the performance should be significantly better. C++ has grown into a pervasive programming language across many domains. We see a compelling argument to define a GraphBLAS C++ API. This paper presents our roadmap for the development of a GraphBLAS C++ API. Open issues are highlighted with the goal of fostering discussion and generating feedback within the GraphBLAS user community to guide us as we develop the GraphBLAS C++ API.