Implicit Sequence Points for Debugging Optimized Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optimized computer programs compiled with existing optimization techniques often lose sequential execution and machine state, making debugging challenging as the original source code execution is not well defined, hindering error investigation and performance retention.
Innovation Solution
Inserting implicit sequence points into computer program code during compilation to support debug operations while maintaining runtime performance improvements, allowing virtual reads of symbols and preserving user visible symbols' values, thus enabling valid debugging views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optimization is performed on computer program code during compilation, then runtime performance is improved, but sequential execution and machine state are lost making debugging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compilation process by inserting implicit sequence points at specific locations in the optimized code. These sequence points divide the optimized code into manageable segments that preserve sequential execution semantics at critical points, allowing debuggers to inspect state without sacrificing overall optimization benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces implicit sequence points as intermediary elements between the optimized code and the debugger. These sequence points act as mediators that preserve the appearance of sequential execution for debugging purposes while allowing the underlying optimized code to execute with improved performance.
2Speed
If optimization techniques are applied to minimize execution time, then program speed increases, but the original source code execution definition is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by inserting implicit sequence points during the compilation optimization process. This ensures that execution semantics are preserved at critical points before the optimized code executes, maintaining the connection between source code logic and machine execution.
3Quantity of substance
If aggressive optimization is used to reduce memory usage, then memory efficiency improves, but debugging visibility of symbol values deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making symbol values visible only at specific implicit sequence points where debugging is needed, rather than maintaining full visibility throughout the entire optimized code. This allows memory-efficient optimization elsewhere while preserving debugging capability at critical locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements described herein relate to inserting implicit sequence points into computer program code to support debug operations. Optimization of the computer program code can be performed during compilation of the computer program code and, during the optimization, implicit sequence points can be inserted into the computer program code. The implicit sequence points can be configured to provide virtual reads of symbols contained in the computer program code when the implicit sequence points are reached during execution of the computer program code during a debug operation performed on the computer program code after the computer program code is optimized and compiled.