A software science model of compile time

Abstract

Halstead's theory of software science is used to describe the compilation process and generate a compiler performance index. A nonlinear model of compile time is estimated for four Ada compilers. A fundamental relation between compile time and program modularity is proposed. Issues considered include data collection procedures, the development of a counting strategy, the analysis of the complexity measures used, and the investigation of significant relationships between program characteristics and compile time. The results suggest that the model has a high predictive power and provides interesting insights into compiler performance phenomena. The research suggests that the discrimination rate of a compiler is a valuable performance index and is preferred to average compile time statistics.

Toward a progress indicator for program compilation

“…Flajolet and Steyaert [16], Hickey and Cohen [17], Sarkar [18], and Wegbriet [19] proposed several techniques for estimating the program execution time. Compared to general program execution, program building has its own characteristics and hence more precise cost models can be built [12]. This will increase the precision of the PI's estimates.…”

“…However, it is not reported. Finally, the link time is not considered.Another way to provide a trivial PI is to let the program compilation tool estimate the program build time (cost) before we start building the program [12]. Providing a trivial PI based upon this estimate is simple.…”

“…This inaccuracy arises from two main causes. First, the program build cost estimated by the program compilation tool is typically not precise [12]. Second, due to other concurrently running jobs, the system load may vary significantly.…”