Dependence analysis for C programs with combinability of dataflow facts under consideration

Abstract

To avoid the precision loss caused by combining dataflow facts impossible to occur in the same execution path in dependence analysis for C programs, this paper first proposes a flow-sensitive and context-insensitive points-to analysis algorithm and then presents a new dependence analysis approach based on it. The approach makes more sufficient consideration on the executable path problem and can avoid invalid combination between points-to relations and between points-to relations and reaching definitions. The results of which are therefore more precise than those of the ordinary dependence analysis approaches.