Module dependency based incremental compiler and method

Patent 5586328 Issued on December 17, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 21, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Industrial controller with decompilable user program
Patent #: 5005152
Issued on: 04/02/1991
Inventor: Knutsen

Incremental compiler
Patent #: 5204960
Issued on: 04/20/1993
Inventor: Smith, et al.

Compiler using clean lines table with entries indicating unchanged text lines for incrementally compiling only changed source text lines
Patent #: 5325531
Issued on: 06/28/1994
Inventor: McKeeman, et al.

Smart recompilation of performing matchup/difference after code generation Patent #: 5367683
Issued on: 11/22/1994
Inventor: Brett

Inventors

Assignee

Microsoft Corporation

Application

No. 328171 filed on 10/21/1994

US Classes:

717/146, Including intermediate code717/112, Syntax based717/141, Analysis of code form717/145Including recompilation

Examiners

Primary: Kriess, Kevin A.
Assistant: Chaki, Kakali

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Klarquist Sparkman Campbell Leigh & Whinston

International Class

G06F 009/44

Abstract

A compiler and compiling method minimizes recompilation of a computer program after an edit. The program is organized in plural program units, such as modules. The units are each compiled through a sequence of compilation states, including plural intermediate compilation states. In compiling each of the program units, dependencies between units are recorded in a table. When an edit to a program unit is later attempted, the edited unit is decompiled to one of various intermediate compilation states according to the edit performed. Units dependent of the edited unit are decompiled to one of various intermediate compilation states according to the dependency of the dependent unit on the edited unit. When next compiling the program, the units are compiled from their respective intermediate compilation state. Units also can be saved in various intermediate compilation states to minimize compiling when the program is again loaded.