Abstract:

In the talk, several aspects of compiler optimization will be discussed. First, the major tools of optimization, control-flow analysis and data-flow analysis will be presented. Then several optimization methods for various levels of the intermediate code will be briefly discussed: peephole optimization, dead-code elimination, unreachable-code elimination, straightening, if-simplification, value numbering, copy propagation, sparse conditional constant propagation, common-sub-expression elimination, and loop-invariant code hoisting. The timing and sequencing of these methods will be discussed at the end.

This is intended to be an expository talk, no deep knowledge of optimization techniques in compilers is required. A general understanding of parsing and the compilation process is expected.