Compiling with Continuations - Hardcover

Appel, Andrew W.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521416957 ISBN 13: 9780521416955

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1991

Synopsis

The control and data flow of a program can be represented using continuations, a concept from denotational semantics that has practical application in real compilers. This book shows how continuation-passing style is used as an intermediate representation on which to perform optimisations and program transformations. Continuations can be used to compile most programming languages. The method is illustrated in a compiler for the programming language Standard ML. However, prior knowledge of ML is not necessary, as the author carefully explains each concept as it arises. This is the first book to show how concepts from the theory of programming languages can be applied to the producton of practical optimising compilers for modern languages like ML. This book will be essential reading for compiler writers in both industry and academe, as well as for students and researchers in programming language theory.

About this title

Review

"I recommend the book to language designers and implementors specializing in the functional paradigm." F.G. Pagan, Computing Reviews

Book Description

This book shows how continuation-passing style is used as an intermediate representation on which to perform optimisations and program transformations. It will be essential reading for compiler writers in both industry and academe, as well as for students and researchers in programming language theory.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521416957
• ISBN 13: 9780521416955
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272