
Compiling with Continuations
Andrew W. Appel(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 1. February 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-0-521-03311-4 (ISBN)
Description
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.
Reviews / Votes
"I recommend the book to language designers and implementors specializing in the functional paradigm." F.G. Pagan, Computing ReviewsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 244 mm
Width: 170 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
475 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-03311-4 (9780521033114)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Andrew W. Appel
Compiling with Continuations
E-Book
04/2011
1st Edition
Cambridge University Press
€79.99
Available for download

Andrew W. Appel
Compiling with Continuations
E-Book
02/2007
Cambridge University Press
€67.99
Available for download

Andrew W. Appel
Compiling with Continuations
Book
11/1991
Cambridge University Press
€55.71
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition

Andrew W. Appel
Compiling with Continuations
Book
11/1991
Cambridge University Press
€55.71
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Content
Acknowledgements; 1. Overview; 2. Continuation-passing style; 3. Semantics of the CPS; 4. ML-specific optimizations; 5. Conversion into CPS; 6. Optimization of the CPS; 7. Beta expansion; 8. Hoisting; 9. Common subexpressions; 10. Closure conversion; 11. Register spilling; 12. Space complexity; 13. The abstract machine; 14. Machine-code generation; 15. Performance evaluation; 16. The runtime system; 17. Parallel programming; 18. Future directions; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.