LLVM Code Generation: A deep dive into compiler backend development

Quentin Colombet

May 2025 · Packt Publishing Ltd

Ebook

620

Pages

Tools

About this ebook

Explore the world of code generation with the LLVM infrastructure, and learn how to extend existing backends or develop your own Get With Your Book: PDF Copy, AI Assistant, and Next-Gen Reader FreeKey Features

Understand the steps involved in generating assembly code from LLVM IR
Learn the key constructs needed to leverage LLVM for your hardware or backend
Strengthen your understanding with targeted exercises and practical examples in every chapter

Book DescriptionThe LLVM infrastructure is a popular compiler ecosystem widely used in the tech industry and academia. This technology is crucial for both experienced and aspiring compiler developers looking to make an impact in the field. Written by Quentin Colombet, a veteran LLVM contributor and architect of the GlobalISel framework, this book provides a primer on the main aspects of LLVM, with an emphasis on its backend infrastructure; that is, everything needed to transform the intermediate representation (IR) produced by frontends like Clang into assembly code and object files. You’ll learn how to write an optimizing code generator for a toy backend in LLVM. The chapters will guide you step by step through building this backend while exploring key concepts, such as the ABI, cost model, and register allocation. You’ll also find out how to express these concepts using LLVM's existing infrastructure and how established backends address these challenges. Furthermore, the book features code snippets that demonstrate the actual APIs. By the end of this book, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of LLVM. The concepts presented are expected to remain stable across different LLVM versions, making this book a reliable quick reference guide for understanding LLVM.What you will learn

Understand essential compiler concepts, such as SSA, dominance, and ABI
Build and extend LLVM backends for creating custom compiler features
Optimize code by manipulating LLVM's Intermediate Representation
Contribute effectively to LLVM open-source projects and development
Develop debugging skills for LLVM optimizations and passes
Grasp how encoding and (dis)assembling work in the context of compilers
Utilize LLVM's TableGen DSL for creating custom compiler models

Who this book is for

This book is for both beginners to LLVM and experienced LLVM developers. If you’re new to LLVM, it offers a clear, approachable guide to compiler backends, starting with foundational concepts. For seasoned LLVM developers, it dives into less-documented areas such as TableGen, MachineIR, and MC, enabling you to solve complex problems and expand your expertise. Whether you’re starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge, this book has something for you.

Explore the world of code generation with the LLVM infrastructure, and learn how to extend existing backends or develop your own Get With Your Book: PDF Copy, AI Assistant, and Next-Gen Reader FreeKey Features Understand the steps involved in generating assembly code from LLVM IR Learn the key co...

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About the author

Quentin Colombet is a veteran LLVM contributor specializing in compiler backends. He is the architect of the new instruction selection framework (GlobalISel) and code owner of the LLVM register allocators. With over two decades of experience, he has worked on compiler backends for a variety of architectures, including GPU, CPU, microcontrollers, DSP, and ASICs. Quentin joined Apple in 2012 and has contributed to x86, Aarch64, and Apple GPU backends. He is passionate about helping newcomers onboard the LLVM infrastructure, having mentored interns and new hires over the years.

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