A flexible compiler structure that allows dynamic phase ordering

Traditionally, compilers have been internally organized into separate phases that are invoked in a fixed, predetermined order. However, the optimal phase invocation order is usually different for different contexts, such as (1) large batch-oriented production environments, (2) small batch-oriented student environments, and (3) interactive programming environments. We discuss the constraints that must be met in order to obtain a compiler with flexible phase ordering, a property that allows the compiler to be designed and implemented without consideration for the intended operating environment. Flexible phase ordering allows the compiler to be specially configured after the fact. A production compiler based on this principle is also discussed.

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