StagedSAC
Vlad Ureche, Tiark Rompf, Arvind K. Sujeeth, Hassan Chafi, Martin Odersky · 2012
Domain-specific languages (DSLs) can bridge the gap between high-level programming and efficient execution. However, implementing compiler tool-chains for performance oriented DSLs requires significant effort. Recent research has produced methodologies and frameworks that promise to reduce this development effort by enabling quick transition from library-only, purely embedded DSLs to optimizing compilation. In this case study we report on our experience implementing a compiler for StagedSAC. StagedSAC is a DSL for arithmetic processing with multidimensional arrays modeled after the stand-alone language SAC (Single Assignment C). The main language feature of both SAC and StagedSAC is a loop construction that enables high-level and concise implementations of array algorithms. At the same time, the functional semantics of the two languages allow for advanced compiler optimizations and parallel code generation.