Compiler backend responsibility: In storage assignment during compilation/assembly, which tasks are performed to prepare memory for a program’s execution?
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Ato assign storage to all variables referenced in the source program.
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Bto assign storage to all temporary locations that are necessary for intermediate results.
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Cto assign storage to literals, and to ensure that the storage is allocate and appropriate locations are initialized.
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Dall of the above
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ENone of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: all of the above
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Storage assignment (or memory layout) is a core phase in compilation/assembly that maps program entities to addresses or offsets. Proper layout ensures correct access at runtime, efficient use of memory, and support for calling conventions and data initialization.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- We handle variables, temporaries, and literals.
- Both compile-time and link-time allocation may be involved.
- Initialization of static data is required before execution begins.
Concept / Approach:
The compiler/assembler allocates storage for global/static data, arranges stack frames for locals and temporaries, and places constants in literal pools or read-only segments. It also emits initialization records so the loader/runtime can set appropriate initial values before main executes.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Assign addresses/offsets for variables according to scope and lifetime.Reserve slots for intermediate results and temporaries in registers or stack.Create literal pools/RO sections and arrange for initialization data.Therefore, all listed tasks fall under storage assignment responsibilities.Verification / Alternative check:
Standard compiler architecture references list symbol table management, stack frame layout, and data segment/literal pool generation as part of storage assignment and code generation.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Each single option is only a subset; real systems require all three.
- None of the above is false because these are indeed performed.
Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking alignment and padding; confusing static initialization (loader) with dynamic initialization (constructor code); ignoring register allocation’s impact on temporary storage.
Final Answer:
all of the above