Object Code Construct Characterization via Synthetic Flags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmers face challenges in distinguishing between constructs in object code that correspond to source code and those that are implementation details of the compiler, as existing techniques lack clear differentiation between logically and physically present constructs, especially for implicitly generated artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A system that flags constructs in object code as 'synthesized' or 'synthetic' based on their presence in source code, with 'synthesized' indicating logical presence and 'synthetic' indicating implementation details, allowing reflective APIs to differentiate and manage these constructs appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the synthetic flag is used to mark all implicitly generated artifacts, then implementation details are identified, but logically present constructs (like default constructors) are incorrectly marked and suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single synthetic flag into two distinct flags: ACC_SYNTHETIC for compiler-generated implementation details and ACC_SYNTHESIZED for language-mandated artifacts. This segmentation allows precise differentiation between constructs that should be suppressed versus those that should be revealed in reflective APIs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different semantic meanings to similar flags based on local context. By introducing ACC_SYNTHESIZED specifically for language-mandated artifacts, the system provides localized precision in marking constructs that are synthesized by the compiler but should still be visible in reflective APIs.
2Device complexity
If all implicitly generated constructs are marked as synthetic, then compiler implementation details are identified, but logically required artifacts are hidden from reflective APIs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flagging mechanism into two distinct constants (ACC_SYNTHETIC and ACC_SYNTHESIZED) with different meanings. This segmentation simplifies the overall operation by providing clear, unambiguous flag meanings that make code analysis easier despite the increased number of flags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter (flag value) to distinguish between different types of synthesized constructs. By using different integer constants with specific meanings, the system maintains simplicity in the flagging mechanism while improving ease of operation through clearer semantic differentiation.
3Productivity
If the synthetic flag marks both implementation details and language-mandated artifacts, then all synthesized constructs are identified, but differentiation between construct types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information about synthesized constructs into two separate flags, preserving the distinction between implementation details and language-mandated artifacts. This segmentation prevents loss of construct type information while maintaining high productivity in code generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ACC_SYNTHESIZED as an intermediary flag that specifically represents language-mandated artifacts. This intermediary provides the necessary information differentiation without interfering with the productivity of the code generation process.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that characterizes content in object code. During operation, the system receives the source code of a program. The system also receives one or more pieces of object code of the program, or creates one or more pieces of object code from the source code. Next, the system identifies a construct in the object code. The system then determines whether the construct is physically present in the source code. If the construct is not physically present, the system determines whether the construct is logically present in the source code, wherein a construct is logically present if it is required by the programming language. If so, the system sets a construct flag to indicate that the construct is “synthesized.” However, if not, the system sets the construct flag to indicate that the construct is “synthetic.” Finally, the construct flag is made available to a reflective API.