1. A method of generating a target code from a source code, the source code written using a high level language supporting data parallel processing, the target code to be executed in a data parallel computer having a plurality of processing nodes for processing data in parallel, the method being executable in a data processing apparatus and comprising the steps of: (a) maintaining a shapes defined table which includes a list of shapes which are declared and defined in a compilation unit of the source code: (b) determining whether a source code declaration statement exists in said compilation unit of the source code which declares a shape having P positions organized among R dimensions, said shape being a template for use in declaring parallel variables each having P data instances distributed among P processing nodes logically organized among R dimensions, said statement specifying a symbol that identifies said shape; (c) emitting to the target code, in response to said determination, at least one target code declaration statement which when executed in the data parallel computer enables the data parallel computer to declare said shape, said target code declaration statement including a definition field, a symbol field, and an initializer field; (d) setting said symbol field equal to said symbol of said shape; (e) ascertaining, in response to said determination, whether said source code declaration statement also defines said shape; and (f) if it is determined that said source code declaration statement also defines said shape, then adding said symbol of said shape to said shapes defined table.