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From: dlpress@hubcap.clemson.edu (david pressley)
Newsgroups: comp.compilers,gnu.gcc.help
Subject: Why RTL for GCC ?
Keywords: GCC, question
Message-ID: <11535@hubcap.clemson.edu>
Date: 12 Nov 90 16:51:27 GMT
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Reply-To: dlpress@hubcap.clemson.edu (david pressley)
Organization: Clemson University, Clemson, SC
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     I have a few questions about the GNU C (GCC) compiler. If you could
be of some assistance, please respond. 

     1) Why was the GNU C compiler implemented using RTL (Register 
        Transfer Language) as opposed to 4-tuples or quads?

     2) Is there an interpreter or simulator available for RTL? 

     3) To your knowledge, has anyone done a study comparing quads and 
        RTL?  

     4) What would have to be added to quads to accomplish what is done with
        RTL?

I appreciate any response you can give me.   

                                             Thank You
                                             David Pressley
                                                                
                                             pressley@hubcap.clemson.edu
[The simple answer to 1) is that GCC is based on an earlier compiler that
used RTL, but I don't know the original motivation.  Perhaps it appeared
easier to retarget. -John]
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