Self-Validating Code Generator for Compiler Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compilers face challenges in validating their operation, especially after significant revisions or changes in execution architecture, due to the complexity of translating high-level languages into machine language, which can result in subtle differences in output that are difficult to detect and validate manually.
Innovation Solution
An automated source code generator creates self-validating code that is syntactically correct, allowing for the comparison of expected and actual outcomes during compilation, thereby validating the correct parsing and execution of language syntax by the compiler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual validation of compiler procedures is performed, then validation thoroughness can be achieved, but validation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates self-validating test code that automatically validates compiler procedures. The generated code includes expected outcomes built-in, allowing the compiler to validate itself without requiring manual test case creation for each procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation code is generated in advance before actual compilation testing. The expected outcomes are pre-computed and embedded in the generated test code, so that when the compiler runs, it can immediately compare actual vs expected results without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive testing of all compiler procedures is implemented, then validation accuracy improves, but the complexity of test code increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated code generator creates validation tests that self-contained and self-explanatory. Each test case automatically includes its own expected outcomes based on the input syntax definition, eliminating the need for complex external test harnesses or manual test case management.
Solution Approach 2:
The generated validation code serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tests syntax parsing, validates code generation, verifies execution correctness, and provides expected outcomes all within a single unified test structure, reducing overall complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compiler code is heavily revised, then compiler functionality improves, but validation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates validation test code based on the updated compiler's syntax definition before actual validation occurs. This preliminary generation of expected outcomes ensures that even heavily revised compilers can be validated systematically by comparing actual output against pre-computed expectations.
Solution Approach 2:
The generated validation code automatically compares actual compiler output against expected outcomes and provides immediate feedback on correctness. This feedback mechanism works effectively even when compilers are heavily revised, as the expected outcomes are regenerated to match the new syntax definition.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for validating operation of a compiler are disclosed. One method includes receiving a definition of language syntax at an automated source code generator, and generating program code at the automated source code generator, the program code represented in source code including constructed self-validating code and syntactically-correct automatically generated code. The method also includes providing the source code to the compiler to be compiled into object code. Based on execution of the self-validating code as object code in a computing system, a computing system executing the object code outputs an indication of the correctness of compilation of the program code.