Abstract: A process for optimizing compiler intermediate representation (IR) code, and data structures for implementing the process; the process is preferably embodied in a compiler computer program operating on an electronic computer or data processor with access to a memory storage means such as a random access memory and access to a program mass storage means such as an electronic magnetic disk storage device. The compiler program reads an input source program stored in the program mass storage means and creates a dynamic single assignment intermediate representation of the source program in the memory using pseudo-machine instructions. To create the dynamic single assignment intermediate representation, during compilation, the compiler creates a plurality of virtual registers in the memory for storage of variables defined in the source program. Means are provided to ensure that the same virtual register is never assigned to more than once on any dynamic execution path.