Patent ID: 6049669
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for controlling the flow of code compiled from a source program, the method comprising the steps of:generating executable code from the source program;operating the generated executable code with a set of sample data;observing the operation of the generated executable code to generate information about the operation of the executable code with respect to various branch instructions within the executable code; andregenerating from the source program a revised executable code, the revised executable code having inserted within it instructions reflecting branch preferences at certain locations in accordance with the generated information pertaining to said branches;wherein the step of observing includes the step of observing the operation of the generated executable code during its operation of the executable code with respect to at least one branch-switch instruction within the executable code, wherein the at least one branch-switch instruction has at least three possible branch targets; andthe step of regenerating includes the step of regenerating a revised executable code from the source program, wherein the revised executable code includes instructions reflecting branch target preferences of the at least one branch-switch instruction in accordance with the information inserted therein.