Region Based Structure Layout Optimization by Selective Data Copying

As the gap between processor and memory continues to grow, memory performance becomes a key performance bottleneck for many applications. Compilers therefore increasingly seek to modify an applications data layout to improve cache locality and cache reuse. Whole program Structure Layout [WPSL] transformations can significantly increase the spatial locality of data and reduce the runtime of programs that use linked list-based data structures, by increasing the cache line utilization. However, in production compilers WPSL transformations do not realize the entire performance potential possible due to a number of factors. Structure layout decisions made on the basis of whole program aggregated affinity/hotness of structure fields can be suboptimal for local code regions. WPSL is also restricted in applicability in production compilers for type unsafe languages like C/C++ due to the extensive legality checks and field sensitive pointer analysis required over the entire application. In orde...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2009
• Where: IEEEPACT
• Authors: Sandya S. Mannarswamy, Ramaswamy Govindarajan, Rishi Surendran
• Keywords: Compilers Wpsl Transformations, Distributed And Parallel Computing, IEEEPACT 2009, Production Compiler, Wpsl Transformation