srcPtr: A Framework for Implementing Static Pointer Analysis Approaches

A lightweight pointer-analysis framework, srcPtr, is presented to support the implementation and comparison of points-to analysis algorithms. It differentiates itself from existing tools by performing the analysis directly on the abstract syntax tree, as opposed to an intermediate representation (e.g., LLVM IR), by using srcML, an XML representation of source code. Working with srcML and the abstract syntax allows easy access to the actual source code as the programmer views it, thus better supporting comprehension. Currently the framework provides example implementations for both Andersen's and Steensgaard's pointer-analysis algorithms. It also allows for easy integration of other points-to algorithms for comparison of accuracy/speed. The approach is very scalable and can generate pointer dependencies for a 750 KLOC program in less than a minute.