History-Based Build Cache for Program Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for regenerating programs from source code are time-consuming and computationally expensive, especially when using the bisection technique, which often results in delayed program testing and increased downtime due to repeated regeneration of the same files and inefficient cache management.
Innovation Solution
A history-based build cache system that stores program components in directories associated with versions, compares candidate versions to a test version, estimates the work required to regenerate the program, and selects the candidate version with the least amount of work, using components from that version to regenerate and test the program, while intelligently pruning the cache based on released versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to regenerate programs from source code, then the program can be regenerated, but the process is time-consuming and computationally expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-building and caching program components in a build cache before they are actually needed. When a program needs to be regenerated, the system retrieves pre-computed components from the cache rather than regenerating everything from scratch, significantly reducing regeneration time and downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of program components and stores them in the build cache. Instead of regenerating components every time, the system uses cached copies that are identical to the original compiled components, enabling rapid program regeneration without recomputing everything.
2Productivity
If the bisection technique is used for program regeneration, then the search space is reduced, but repeated regeneration of the same files occurs and cache management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the build cache is updated based on the results of program regeneration and testing. When a program version is tested, the system learns which components were actually regenerated and which could have been retrieved from cache, using this feedback to optimize future cache management and reduce unnecessary regeneration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of cache management by introducing version-based caching, where different program versions are cached separately. This allows the system to distinguish between different builds and avoid regenerating components that are identical across versions, reducing computational waste while maintaining the benefits of the bisection technique.
3Speed
If program components are stored in directories associated with versions, then the system can efficiently locate and retrieve components, but cache pruning becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the build cache into separate directories or storage locations associated with different program versions. This segmentation allows the system to quickly locate and retrieve components for a specific version without searching through the entire cache, improving retrieval speed while managing complexity through organized structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial cache pruning by only removing or managing cache entries for versions that are no longer needed, rather than managing the entire cache complexly. By focusing pruning operations on specific version ranges or older versions, the system maintains simplicity while achieving effective cache management.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a memory storing program versions in a program history and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor is configured to store program components of a version of a program in a first directory associated with the version and select first and second candidate versions of the program from the program history to compare to a test version of the program. The processor is also configured to compare the first and second candidate versions to the test version, estimate an amount of work to regenerate the program from each of the candidate versions, and select the candidate version associated with a lesser amount of work. Additionally, the processor is configured to regenerate the program using components from the selected candidate version to create a regenerated program, store components of the regenerated program in a second directory associated with test version, and test the regenerated program.