Work

Debugging and Testing Optimizers through Comparison Checking

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: We present a novel technique called comparison checking that helps optimizer writers debug optimizers by testing, for given inputs, that the semantics of a program are not changed by the application of optimizations. We have successfully applied comparison checking to a large class of program transformations that alter (1) the relative ordering in which values are computed by the intermediate code statements, (2) the form of the intermediate code statements, and (3) the control flow structure using code replication. We outline the key steps that lead to the automation of comparison checking. The application of comparison checking to test the implementations of high level loop transformations, low level code optimizations, and global register allocation for given program inputs is then described.

Source: Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

DOI: 10.1016/s1571-0661(04)80398-0

Authors: Clara Jaramillo, Rajiv Gupta, Mary Lou Soffa

Institutions: Chatham University, University of Arizona, University of Pittsburgh

Language: English

Topic: Software Testing and Debugging Techniques

Subfield: Software

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W2146043694

FWCI: 3.874

Cites: 17

Cited by: 15

Related to: 10