A single intermediate language that supports multiple implementations of exceptions

ABSTRACT

We present mechanisms that enable our compiler-target language, C--, to express four of the best known techniques for implementing exceptions, all within a single, uniform framework. We define the mechanisms precisely, using a formal operational semantics. We also show that exceptions need not require special treatment in the optimizer; by introducing extra dataflow edges, we make standard optimization techniques work even on programs that use exceptions. Our approach clarifies the design space of exception-handling techniques, and it allows a single optimizer to handle a variety of implementation techniques. Our ultimate goal is to allow a source-language compiler the freedom to choose its exception-handling policy, while encapsulating the architecture-dependent mechanisms and their optimization in an implementation of C--that can be used by compilers for many source languages.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.3 LOGICS AND MEANINGS OF PROGRAMS

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages