Two-Pass Source Code Transformation for Rust Memory Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transforming source code from one high-level programming language to another face limitations, such as inconsistent property transmission and difficulty in utilizing new language features, especially when converting legacy code to newer languages with unique syntax and semantics.
Innovation Solution
A two-pass source code transformation method that combines compiler-based and parse-tree-based techniques, where the first pass generates a functionally equivalent source code in the target language using a compiler, and the second pass refactors it using a parse tree to enhance desired properties of the target language, such as memory safety in Rust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-pass compiler-based transformation is used to convert source code from one high-level programming language to another, then the transformation process is simple and fast, but the target code fails to utilize new language features and has inconsistent property transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The transformation process is divided into two distinct passes: a compiler-based first pass for rapid functional transformation, and a parse-tree-based second pass for enhancing target language properties. This segmentation allows each pass to specialize in different aspects, resolving the contradiction between speed and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pass performs preliminary transformation to generate functionally equivalent target code, which then serves as input for the second pass. This preliminary action enables the second pass to focus specifically on enhancing language features without redoing the fundamental transformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a parse-tree-based transformation is used to convert source code between high-level programming languages, then new language features can be utilized, but the transformation process becomes complex and loses functional correctness
Solution Approach 1:
The first-pass generated source code acts as an intermediary between the original source and the final transformed code. It preserves functional correctness from the compiler-based approach while serving as input for the parse-tree-based enhancement, ensuring both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges compiler-based transformation and parse-tree-based transformation into a unified two-pass system. The strengths of both approaches are combined: the compiler approach ensures functional correctness while the parse-tree approach enables sophisticated language feature utilization.
3Reliability
If manual intervention is used to refactor transformed code to enhance target language properties, then desired properties can be achieved, but the process requires significant time and human resources
Solution Approach 1:
The transformation system performs self-service by automatically enhancing target language properties through the second pass. The parse-tree-based transformation rules are applied automatically to the first-pass output, eliminating the need for manual refactoring while maintaining high code quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second pass provides feedback to the transformation process by analyzing the first-pass output and automatically applying corrections and enhancements. This feedback loop ensures desired language properties are achieved without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and media for two-pass source code transformation from a first high-level programming language to a second high-level programming language are described. Two different source code transformation technologies are combined to produce a two-pass source code transformation method: a compiler-based source code transformation technique is used in a first pass, and a parse-tree-based source code transformation technique is used in second pass. The second pass may be used to automatically refactor the source code to enhance desired properties of the second programming language. A two-pass C-to-Rust transformation technique, CRustS, is described which automatically generates Rust source code that exhibits memory safety and overcomes other limitations of existing tools such as C2Rust.