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The design of an interactive compiler for optimizing microprograms

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Published:01 December 1985Publication History
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Abstract

Microprogramming has traditionally been done in assembly language because of the perceived need for fast execution; compiler technology does not yet exist for discovering and performing many of the clever tricks of an experienced microprogrammer. Unfortunately, programming at the machine-instruction level is both tedious and error-prone. A possible compromise between these two approaches is that of an interactive compiler, where the programmer guides the crafting of critical data structures and sections of code, while the compiler ensures that the resulting code has the same semantics as the original program, generates code where speed is not critical, and performs bookkeeping tasks. We are in the process of implementing a prototype of such a system. This paper describes the system being developed and discusses some of the key design issues.

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          • Published in

            cover image ACM SIGMICRO Newsletter
            ACM SIGMICRO Newsletter  Volume 16, Issue 4
            Dec. 1985
            166 pages
            ISSN:1050-916X
            DOI:10.1145/18906
            Issue’s Table of Contents
            • cover image ACM Conferences
              MICRO 18: Proceedings of the 18th annual workshop on Microprogramming
              December 1985
              201 pages
              ISBN:0897911725
              DOI:10.1145/18927

            Copyright © 1985 Author

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            Association for Computing Machinery

            New York, NY, United States

            Publication History

            • Published: 1 December 1985

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