Abstract

machine code resembles assembly or machine language for a fictitious computer 8 A front end emits a stream of instructions (in a text or compressed binary encoding) to a logically separate back end. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses. Abstract machine codes permit the front and back ends, and perhaps an optimizer, to run as separate processes. Uni-process compilers are generally faster, but multi-process compilers might run faster on some multi-processor computers. If the compiler is complex, a multi-process compiler might simplify team devel- opment.

Citations