7. Conclusion

In this article we have seen some very basic code optimization techniques that the GNU C Compiler uses to optimize the generated code. From these optimization techniques and the various pieces of information that are required to apply them, the reader can appreciate the type of sophisticated and complex analysis that the compiler must carry out on the program. It has to keep track of various things like variables, their storage places (memory or registers), expression evaluations, constant expressions, dead code etc. It is because of this high complexity of the process that the compiler takes much longer to compile a program with optimization enabled. There are many details that are involved in code optimization and code generation that I have not explained and that I don't know. Code optimization is a field of active research and interested readers can refer to [1] for additional information.

8. Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my Bachelor's project guide Dr. Uday Khedker for creating my interest in compilers and code optimization. I would also like to thank the Linux Gazette, Linux Documentation Project, PC Quest and the Pune Linux User's Group (http://www.pluggies.org) which have earlier accepted and published my contributions that inspires me to write more.

9. References

1. Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools, A.V.Aho, Ravi Sethi and J.D.Ullman, Addison Wesley.
2. Systems Programming and Operating Systems, D.M.Dhamdhere, Tata McGraw-Hill.
3. Assembly HOWTO, Franois-Ren Rideau, Linux Documentation Project.
4. Advanced 80386 Programming Techniques, James L. Turley, Osborne McGraw-Hill.

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