Compilation of Id

In this paper we illustrate, using the Id language, that both the operational semantics of a language and its compilation process can be formalized together. Id is a higher-order non-strict functional language augmented with I-structures and M-structures. The operational semantics of Id is given in terms of a smaller kernel language, called Kid. Kid is also the intermediate form used by the compiler to perform type checking and optimizations. Optimizations are described as extensions of Kid operational semantics. A criteria for correctness of optimizations is presented. P-TAC, a lower-level language, is introduced to capture some eeciency issues related to code generation. The salient features of translating Kid into P-TAC are presented.