Lexicon Entry
LLVM
LLVM is a compiler framework that uses a strictly defined Intermediate Representation (IR) to optimize code. It serves as the backend for many modern compilers, including Clang and Rustc.
Related Knowledge & Cross-References
Linker Explained: How Object Files Become Executables (Static & LTO)
Learn how the linker transforms object files into executables. Explore symbol resolution, relocation records, static vs dynamic linking, and Link-Time Optimization with real readelf and nm examples.
Register Allocation in Compilers: How Variables Fit into CPU Registers
Discover how compilers solve register allocation — mapping thousands of virtual registers to 16 (x86-64) or 31 (ARM64) physical ones. See graph coloring, spilling, and rematerialization with real Godbolt examples.
Compiler Code Generation: How LLVM Turns IR into x86-64 and ARM64 Assembly
Between the hardware-agnostic world of Intermediate Representation and the raw binary bytes your CPU executes lies the backend pipeline. Learn how the compiler turns abstract logic into platform-specific machine code.
The Ultimate Guide to Compiler Optimization Passes: Boosting Performance with -O2
You have written your code, but how does the compiler make it run three times faster when you enable optimizations? We demystify compiler optimization passes and see exactly what happens under the hood.
LLVM IR Tutorial: The Hidden Language Between Your C Code and Assembly
Master LLVM IR in this hands-on tutorial. Learn SSA form, basic blocks, and PHI nodes with real Clang output and Godbolt examples — from C to IR to x86-64 and ARM64.
How a C Program Becomes Machine Code: The C Compilation Process Explained
Trace the complete C compilation process from source code to executable binary. See each stage — preprocessing, compilation, assembly, and linking — with real GCC and Clang output across x86-64 and ARM64.