Name: Principles of program analysis
ISBN: 9783540654100

Principles of program analysis

Program analysis utilizes static techniques for computing reliable information about the dynamic behavior of programs. Applications include compilers (for code improvement), software validation (for detecting errors) and transformations between data representation (for solving problems such as Y2K). This book is unique in providing an overview of the four major approaches to program analysis: data flow analysis, constraint-based analysis, abstract interpretation, and type and effect systems. The presentation illustrates the extensive similarities between the approaches, helping readers to choose the best one to utilize.

What Hacker News says

aleclmSep 2022

For compiler theory, "Principles of Program Analysis" (by Nielson, Nielson, Hankin).

It is so foundational to what we do at rev.ng, that we gift a physical copy of the book to every interviewee, even if they don't pass.

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int0x80Aug 2022

"Principles of Program Analysis" covers the subject very well. It's not an easy or beginner book because it's very formal, but very complete and with plenty of examples.

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tom_melliorAug 2017

> a symbol table on each block level, which helps in differentiating names

Yes, that's something that every compiler (for languages with scopes that allow hiding) needs. Typically you also never compare variables by name but by pointer to a symbol structure or some numeric ID.

> Does anyone know of code that makes clear what is involved in def-use for a variable without saying "this is an exercise for the reader" ?

It's not code, but chapter 2 of Nielson/Nielson/Hankin's Principles of Program Analysis discusses how to do this. See accompanying slides on the book's website: http://www.imm.dtu.dk/~hrni/PPA/ppasup2004.html

In a sense, this must be an exercise for the reader, since if you are working on your own compiler, nobody's code will be compatible with yours.

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nextosJan 2017

Try Principles of Program Analysis by Nielson & Nielson. Uber hardcore and beautiful approaches to static analysis and optimization, on a very general mathematical framework.

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kushtiDec 2013

"Types and Programming Languages" by Benjamin C. Pierce "Principles of Program Analysis" by Nielson, Nielson, Hankin

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timtadhApr 2013

I also highly recommend "Semantics with Applications" by Nielson and Nielson. I read it this January and it is an excellent book. It is very approachable for someone with only the lightest background in formal methods. If you are looking for a good introduction to the field I would start there. I am definitely going to look into the OPs book it looks awesome.

download http://www.daimi.au.dk/~bra8130/Wiley_book/wiley.html

print http://www.amazon.com/Semantics-Applications-Appetizer-Under...

EDIT:

after reading the author page it looks like the OPs book has not been updated so keep in mind that it is the state of the field as of the 80s. The work by Nielson and Nielson is fairly recent. I would also suggest "Principles of Program Analysis" for a follow up book.

http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Program-Analysis-Flemming-N...

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