Cross-Language Compilation Through a Common Intermediate Language
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mixed language programming, the overheads of mutual invocation between native and non-native language functions are high due to the need for separate compilation and the use of mechanisms like JNI and reflection, which are inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Convert both native and non-native language functions into a common intermediate language, allowing the compiler to optimize invocation functions based on both languages' function information, reducing overheads by generating optimized invocation functions and exception handling directly in the compilation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate compilation processes are used for native and non-native languages, then language compatibility and independence are maintained, but invocation overheads increase and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compilation processes of native and non-native languages by converting both to a common intermediate representation (IR). This allows the compiler to perform cross-language optimizations and generate optimized invocation functions that reduce runtime overhead, while still maintaining the independence and compatibility benefits of separate language processing through the IR abstraction layer.
2Reliability
If conservative implementation of JNI and reflection mechanisms is used, then language independence and compatibility are ensured, but overheads in invocation and exception handling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions during the compilation phase by converting both native and non-native functions to intermediate representation and generating optimized invocation functions ahead of time. This preliminary optimization eliminates the need for conservative runtime checks and overhead in JNI and reflection mechanisms, while still ensuring language independence through the IR abstraction.
3Ease of manufacture
If cross-language optimization is performed within same language function scope, then compilation simplicity is maintained, but optimization effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate representation (IR) as a mediator between native and non-native languages. This IR serves as a common language that both language types can be converted to, enabling cross-language optimization while maintaining compilation simplicity. The IR acts as an intermediary that preserves the benefits of separate language processing while allowing effective cross-language optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a cross-language compilation method and apparatus. The method and the apparatus can be used for both a native language and a non-native language. For example, the method and the apparatus can be used for cross-language mixed compilation between Java and C++. An intermediate language is generated by obtaining source program code that includes the native language and the non-native language. The intermediate language includes Methods generated based on a native language Method and a non-native language Method. An invocation Method is generated in the intermediate language. These Methods are used to implement mutual invocation between the Methods generated based on the native language Method and the non-native language Method. This reduces overheads of the mutual invocation between the native language Method and the non-native language Method when an executable program obtained after compilation is running.