Analysis of the TinyCC Compiler
1. Introduction
A compiler is a software tool that translates high-level programming code into machine
code. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the TinyCC (TCC) compiler, a lightweight
and fast C compiler developed by Fabrice Bellard. The goal of this analysis is to understand
the internal workings of a real-world compiler by exploring the various phases it
implements, such as lexical analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, code generation,
and linking.
2. Lexical Analysis
The lexical analysis phase is responsible for converting source code into tokens. TinyCC
uses a hand-written lexer implemented in `tccpp.c` and `tcc.c`. It identifies keywords,
operators, identifiers, literals, and comments. Tokens are defined using constants like
`tok_*` in `tcc.h`. The function `tok_get()` retrieves the next token, while `next_nomacro()` is
responsible for macro handling during tokenization.
3. Syntax Analysis
Syntax analysis, or parsing, constructs the program's structure from tokens. TinyCC uses a
recursive descent parser, implemented in `tccgen.c`. Functions such as `parse_expr()` and
`parse_statement()` handle expressions and statements respectively. The parser builds an
internal representation during this phase without a separate abstract syntax tree (AST).
4. Semantic Analysis
Semantic analysis checks for correctness in context, including type checking and symbol
resolution. TinyCC performs this within the same parsing phase using structures for types
and symbol tables defined in `tcc.h`. Functions like `sym_push()` manage symbol creation
and `check_assign_types()` ensures type compatibility.
5. Intermediate Representation (IR)
TinyCC does not use a distinct intermediate representation like SSA or bytecode. Instead, it
generates machine code directly during parsing. Internal representations are implicit
within parsing and code generation structures.
6. Code Generation
The code generation phase translates parsed constructs into machine code. TinyCC
supports various architectures including x86, x86_64, and ARM. Files like `i386-gen.c` and
`x86_64-gen.c` contain architecture-specific code generation logic. Functions such as
`gen_op()` and `load()` handle instruction emission and register allocation.
7. Optimization
TinyCC includes minimal optimization to maintain its lightweight nature. Basic
optimizations like constant folding are implemented, but it lacks more advanced techniques
such as loop unrolling or global common subexpression elimination.
8. Linking
TinyCC features its own lightweight linker for combining object files and generating
executables. Implemented in `tccelf.c` and `tccrun.c`, it supports dynamic and static linking
and manages ELF file formats and relocations internally.
9. Error Handling
Error handling in TinyCC is basic but functional. The compiler uses functions like
`tcc_error()` and `expect()` to report syntax and semantic errors, providing line numbers
and descriptions for diagnostics.
10. Conclusion
TinyCC serves as an excellent subject for compiler analysis due to its simplicity and compact
source base. It covers all major compiler phases in a minimalistic yet functional manner,
making it highly suitable for educational purposes. While it lacks advanced optimizations, it
effectively demonstrates the full pipeline from source code to executable binary.
