Link-time redundant code elimination using functional equivalence

摘要

Duplicative code found in modules of high level computer code can be eliminated at link-time. A compiler forms a plurality of object files from a software program in which each object file includes one or more functions associated with the software program. An analyzer examines each function to ascertain whether any of the plurality of object files include functional duplicates. In addition, call and caller routing references are determined for each of the object files and functions contained therein. Responsive to determining that a functional equivalence exists, the routing of duplicative functions is altered to reference a golden copy of the same function. Once the call and caller information has been re-routed, the duplicative function(s) is(are) deleted.