Re: Debug optimized code; Now: How many compiler bugs have you seen?

"Damian Thomas" <damian.thomas@unisys.com>
Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:46:22 -0700

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From: "Damian Thomas" <damian.thomas@unisys.com>
Newsgroups: comp.compilers
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:46:22 -0700
Organization: Unisys - Roseville, MN
References: 08-09-076 08-09-105 08-09-110 08-09-115 08-09-119
Keywords: debug, optimize
Posted-Date: 25 Sep 2008 11:58:32 EDT

> So, I wonder, how many of you have experienced real compiler bugs,
> that you could verify was the compilers fault and not just
> "mysterious behavior" that could be fixed by changing the
> optimizer/debugger level?


I support many compilers right now. Many programmers come to me
claiming there must be some bug in the compiler that is preventing
their program from working. Many times it's the user program that was
incorrect. In a few rare cases, the hardware is incorrect. I've
found my share of compiler bugs too. But I usually end up fixing
these bugs as well.


Compiler writers have to be careful, since the compilers can generate
almost any kind of trash. Sometimes when I test a simple "fix", that
testing brings down the production system. I hate it when that
happens.


- Damian Thomas
(not speaking for Unisys)


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