Concept assignment as a debugging technique for code generators

Abstract

Code generators are notoriously difficult to debug, yet their correctness is crucial. This paper demonstrates that concept assignment can be performed in an entirely syntax-directed manner for code generators and other highly structured program modules. Anomalies in this concept assignment indicate the possible existence of bugs. These insights enable the formulation of a new debugging technique for code generators. This paper describes the procedure, a practical implementation, and results from the application of this debugging technique to an experimental code generator.