Hurricane: An Optimizing Compiler for Smalltalk

Abstract

We discuss a recent attempt at providing a more efficient compilation system for the Smalltalk-80#8482; language than currently exists. The approach is unique in that it attempts to work within the existing semantics of the language. A type declaration and inference mechanism is developed in order to make the problem tractable. Details concerning the compiler implemented to date are given, as well as preliminary speed tests of compiled object code. © 1986, ACM. All rights reserved.