Efficiently executing workloads specified via task graphs

A system comprising:

• a memory that stores one or more task descriptors;
• and
• a task management unit coupled to the memory that:
• determines that a second task is dependent on a first task that is being launched;
• prior to an execution of the first task, initiates a retrieval of a task descriptor associated with the second task from the memory;
• and
• launches the second task based on the task descriptor associated with the second task subsequent to at least the execution of the first task.

A system comprising:

• a memory storing a task graph;
• and
• a parallel processing unit coupled to the memory that:
• determines that a first task is being launched and that a second task is dependent on the first task;
• prior to an execution of the first task, initiates a retrieval of a task descriptor associated with the second task from the memory;
• causes a plurality of streaming multiprocessors to execute the first task;
• and
• launches the second task based on the task descriptor associated with the second task subsequent to at least the execution of the first task.