Abstract: A compiler having one or more separate components, each of which contains the source code of the compiler which is responsible for implementing a corresponding data representation. These components are responsible for all of the parts of compilation which depend on the corresponding data representation. In one aspect of the present invention, a compiler comprises: a converter for converting program code to object code; and a data representation implementor for isolating within the compiler information that relates to representation of data at runtime, wherein the converter accesses the data representation implementor to obtain information that is needed for converting any portion of the program code that is dependent on representation of data at runtime.

Abstract: An extensible incremental compiler includes an incremental compiler which is configured to pass control to one or more extensions at one or more points in the compilation process. The extensible incremental compiler determines whether an extension is active at various points in the compilation process and, if so, transfers control to the active extension. The extension mechanism performs its programed functionality and then returns control back to the incremental compiler. The extensions are supplied to the incremental compiler via a linked library.