Abstract

Requirements for a machine description facility for compiler testing are discussed. The compiler testing procedure consists of proving that programs are correctly translated by the compiler at hand. This is achieved by use of a common intermediate representation for both the source and object programs. The intermediate representation for the object program is built by use of a process termed symbolic interpretation. This process interprets a set of procedures which describe the effects of machine language instructions corresponding to the target machine on a suitable computation model in a manner consistent with an execution level definition of the high level language. Some of the important factors which enter into such a definition are discussed. These include architectural constraints posed by the target machine, and a description facility for memory and data types. Once such a definition is formulated, the actual instruction set of the target machine can be described. The highlights and limitations of such a definition facility are discussed in the context of a specific LISP implementation on a PDP-10 computer.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.