Leveraging cloud GPU . Send only workload.

Leveraging cloud GPU . Send only workload.

PART1

Say we wanna compile the source code locally, but with the help of a remote GPU.

We wanna send only the workload, not the source code.

To accelerate your local build and compilation processes in the IDE by leveraging cloud GPU or powerful CPU resources without sending your code to the cloud. You prefer to keep your source code on your local machine and only send data for processing. Here's how you can achieve this:

---

Solution: Use Distributed Compilation Tools That Keep Code Local

IncrediBuild is a tool that can help you distribute your build process across multiple machines, including cloud-based servers, without sending your source code to the cloud. It works by distributing the compilation tasks while keeping the actual code on your local machine.

How IncrediBuild Works:

• Agent-Based System: Install IncrediBuild agents on both your local machine and remote machines (which can be cloud instances).

• Code Stays Local: Your source code remains on your local machine. Only the compilation tasks and necessary data are sent to the remote agents.

• Distributed Compilation: The tool breaks down the build process into smaller tasks and distributes them to the remote agents for processing.

• Secure Communication: Uses encrypted channels to ensure data security during transmission.

• Integration with Visual Studio: IncrediBuild integrates seamlessly with Visual Studio 2022, requiring minimal changes to your workflow.

Setting Up IncrediBuild:

1. Install IncrediBuild on Local Machine:

   • Download and install the IncrediBuild agent on your Windows machine with Visual Studio 2022.

2. Set Up Remote Agents:

   • Provision cloud instances with powerful CPUs or GPUs. These can be on services like AWS, Azure, or any cloud provider that allows you to set up Windows servers.

   • Install the IncrediBuild agent on these remote machines.

3. Configure the Network:

   • Ensure that your local machine and remote agents can communicate over a secure network. This might involve setting up a VPN or secure tunneling.

   • Configure firewall settings to allow IncrediBuild traffic between the machines.

4. Configure IncrediBuild Settings:

   • In the IncrediBuild settings on your local machine, specify the remote agents you want to use.

   • Adjust the resource allocation and preferences according to your needs.

5. Run Your Build:

   • Start your build process in Visual Studio as usual.

   • IncrediBuild will automatically distribute the compilation tasks to the remote agents.

   • Monitor the build progress through IncrediBuild's dashboard.

Benefits:

• No Source Code Transfer: Only compiled data and tasks are sent to the remote machines, keeping your source code secure.

• Faster Build Times: Utilize the processing power of multiple machines to significantly reduce build times.

• Scalability: Easily add more remote agents to handle larger projects or reduce build times further.

• Security: Since the source code stays on your local machine, you mitigate the risk of exposing your code to external environments.

---

Alternative Solutions

**1. Distcc with VPN for Windows Environments

While distcc is traditionally a Linux tool for distributed C/C++ compilation, there are ports available for Windows:

• How It Works: Similar to IncrediBuild, distcc distributes compilation tasks while keeping source code local.

• Setup: Requires setting up a VPN between your local machine and remote servers to ensure secure communication.

• Limitations: Integration with Visual Studio might not be as seamless, and setup can be complex.

**2. SSH Tunneling with Remote Compute Resources

• Process Execution: Execute specific compute-intensive tasks on a remote machine via SSH, sending only necessary data.

• Scripted Tasks: You can script parts of the build process to run remotely, but this requires careful partitioning of tasks.

• Limitations: Managing dependencies and environment consistency can be challenging.

**3. Custom Remote Procedure Calls (RPC)

• Custom APIs: Develop a custom RPC system where you send data to a remote service for processing.

• Use Cases: Suitable if you have specific processing tasks that can be isolated from the build process.

• Limitations: Not practical for general compilation tasks due to complexity and potential latency.

---

Considerations and Limitations

• Network Latency: Ensure you have a reliable and fast network connection to minimize build delays.

• Licensing: Some tools like IncrediBuild require licenses for both local and remote agents.

• Security Policies: Verify that using remote compute resources complies with your organization's security policies.

• Cloud Costs: Be aware of the costs associated with running cloud instances, especially those with powerful GPUs or CPUs.

---

Summary

To meet your requirement of accelerating your IDE build process without sending your source code to the cloud, IncrediBuild is a practical solution. It allows you to distribute compilation tasks across remote machines securely, keeping your code local. This setup can significantly reduce your build times while maintaining the confidentiality of your source code.

Next Steps:

1. Evaluate IncrediBuild: Visit IncrediBuild's website to learn more and consider starting with a trial.

2. Set Up Cloud Instances: Choose a cloud provider that allows you to set up Windows instances with the required compute resources.

3. Plan the Network Configuration: Decide on the best way to securely connect your local machine with the cloud instances.

4. Consult Documentation: Refer to IncrediBuild's documentation for detailed setup instructions and best practices.

---

PART2

In a setup like IncrediBuild or other distributed build systems where source code remains local, only specific data needed for compiling tasks are sent to the cloud. Here’s what is typically sent:

1. Intermediate Compilation Tasks:

   • Compiled Object Files: Preprocessed or partially compiled code (e.g., .o or .obj files) might be sent for further processing on remote machines.

   • Temporary Files: Files created during the build, like intermediate compiler outputs, necessary to complete specific build steps.

2. Build Dependencies:

   • Header Files (if needed): Essential header files (e.g., .h files) referenced in the code but only those required for the specific task.

   • Library Files: Static or dynamic libraries (.lib, .dll, .so) that might be referenced but not entirely rebuilt.

3. Build Configuration Data:

   • Compiler Flags and Settings: Information on optimization levels, debug/release flags, and other configurations to ensure consistent builds.

   • Environment Variables: Specific paths or variables set in your environment needed to resolve dependencies.

4. Compile Commands and Task Instructions:

   • Build Commands: The specific commands needed for each task (e.g., g++, clang, linker commands).

   • Dependency Graphs: Information about how different files depend on each other in the build, helping remote agents understand the compilation order.

5. Small Chunks of Code (Preprocessed):

   • In some distributed builds, code is “preprocessed” (meaning all includes are expanded) before being sent, resulting in a single unit of code to compile without sending original source files.

   • Preprocessed Code contains no original source code organization, which helps keep intellectual property secure.

6. Data for Build Caching:

   • Systems like IncrediBuild often cache build results on remote agents. Only the data for new or modified files is sent when the same build is repeated.

---

What Is Not Sent

• Source Files (.cpp, .cs, .java, etc.): Original code files typically stay local.

• Project Files and Configuration Files: Full project structures or sensitive configuration files are not transmitted.

• Sensitive Environment Information: Private keys, local paths, or proprietary environment settings remain local.

---

Security Measures

To further secure your data:

• Encryption: Data sent to remote build agents is usually encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

• VPN/Private Network: Secure channels are often used to communicate with cloud servers, enhancing data protection.

This approach allows you to speed up builds significantly while keeping your core code and sensitive project data local.