Code Optimization via Statistical Profile Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for optimizing executable code are inefficient due to lack of necessary information, intrusive instrumentation, high resource consumption, and error-prone static analysis, while directives are time-consuming and not portable.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically analyzes a statistical profile of program execution and optimizes the program based on accumulated information from prior compilations and optimizations, updating an optimization record to inform subsequent compilations and optimizations, thereby minimizing the need for intrusive instrumentation and separate recompilation phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If profile feedback instrumentation is used to gather optimization information, then optimization quality improves, but program execution speed deteriorates and intrusiveness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization qualityVSAvoidprogram execution speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary static analysis during compilation to gather optimization information before runtime execution. This preliminary action captures branch probabilities, loop characteristics, and data flow information without requiring intrusive runtime instrumentation, thus maintaining execution speed while enabling quality optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary optimization record that stores compilation information and execution characteristics. This intermediary structure mediates between static analysis and runtime execution, allowing the system to leverage both compiled information and runtime observations without direct intrusive instrumentation affecting execution speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If high-level instrumentation is used to gather comprehensive optimization data, then information completeness improves, but system resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidsystem resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by selectively gathering optimization information only where needed based on static analysis results. Instead of comprehensive instrumentation throughout the program, it focuses on specific hotspots and critical sections identified during compilation, reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining information completeness for optimization decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses partial action by implementing a two-phase approach: first using static analysis to identify critical areas, then applying runtime instrumentation only to those specific areas. This partial instrumentation provides sufficient information for optimization without the excessive resource consumption of full program instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of time

If static analysis algorithms are used to optimize code without runtime information, then compilation speed improves, but optimization accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompilation timeVSAvoidoptimization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by combining static analysis results with runtime execution data. The optimization record captures both compilation-time information and runtime characteristics, allowing the optimizer to refine its decisions based on actual execution behavior. This feedback loop maintains fast compilation while improving optimization accuracy through empirical runtime data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary static analysis to establish baseline optimization strategies during compilation, then refines these strategies using runtime feedback. This preliminary action ensures fast compilation while the subsequent runtime observation phase enhances accuracy without requiring lengthy recompilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If directives are used to provide optimization information, then ease of providing information improves, but portability and automation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of providing informationVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically generating optimization information through static analysis and runtime observation without requiring user-written directives. The compiler and runtime system work together to autonomously collect branch probabilities, loop characteristics, and data flow information, eliminating the need for manual directive insertion while maintaining ease of use and improving portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7730469B1Method and system for code optimization

Publication Date: 2010.06.01 ORACLE AMERICAN INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention optimize a program by analyzing a statistical profile of a program execution, and automatically optimizing the program based on at least one of the analysis, information about at least one prior compilation of the program, and information about at least one prior optimization of the program. The optimization of the program can therefore take into consideration changes made during prior compilations and optimization and the results of the changes.