Compiler Instrumentation for Internal Decision Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compiler testing methodologies, such as black box testing, are inadequate for ensuring the integrity of compilers as they may fail to detect internal execution decisions that violate the compiler's specifications, especially in complex scenarios, leading to potential bugs and logical errors.
Innovation Solution
The method involves instrumenting the compiler to generate decision data during compilation, which is then validated using a test framework to ensure that internal execution decisions align with the compiler's specifications, thereby exposing and verifying the correctness of these decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If black box testing methodologies are used to test compilers, then the testing process is simpler to implement, but the testing coverage is insufficient and internal execution decisions cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the compiler and the testing framework. The compiler is instrumented to generate decision data that captures internal execution decisions, which then serves as input to the testing framework. This intermediary mechanism allows the testing framework to access and validate internal compiler decisions without requiring direct modification of the compiler's core logic, thus resolving the contradiction between testing simplicity and verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the testing framework receives decision data from the instrumented compiler and validates it against expected results. The framework then provides feedback about the validity of compiler decisions, enabling continuous verification of compiler integrity. This feedback loop ensures that internal execution decisions are systematically checked, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated validation.
2Reliability
If extensive testing is performed to ensure compiler integrity, then the reliability of the compiler is improved, but the time required for testing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validation of compiler integrity from the general testing process. By instrumenting the compiler to generate decision data specifically for internal execution decisions, the system separates the critical verification task from routine testing. This extraction allows targeted validation of the most important compiler behaviors without requiring exhaustive testing of all possible scenarios, thus improving reliability efficiency and reducing overall testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by instrumenting the compiler during development to automatically generate decision data. This preliminary instrumentation setup enables subsequent testing to directly validate internal decisions without requiring complex test case construction. The decision data is prepared in advance during compilation, allowing the testing framework to immediately validate integrity without time-consuming data collection processes.
3Measurement precision
If the compiler is instrumented to expose internal decisions, then the testing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the compiler's internal execution into discrete decision points that can be individually captured and validated. The instrumentation framework segments the compilation process into manageable decision units, each of which can be independently tracked and verified. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision by providing granular visibility into compiler decisions while managing complexity through modular decision points rather than monolithic instrumentation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatic generation of one or more test programs to be used in conjunction with a test framework for testing a compiler are disclosed. A compiler is instrumented to generated data exposing various internal decisions and/or actions made by the compiler. A test program is generated by test framework and compiled by the compiler and the output is validated by the test framework to ensure that the compiler is behaving according to its compiler specification.