Clang Compiler Frontend: Get to grips with the internals of a C/C++ compiler frontend and create your own tools

Boost your productivity with a variety of compiler tools that integrate seamlessly into your IDE

Key Features

• Expand your understanding of the C++ programming language by learning about how the C++ compiler works and how to utilize its advanced features
• Explore techniques for static code analysis and use them to create lint checks
• Enhance your IDE to support advanced compiler tools
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Discover the power of Clang, a versatile compiler known for its compilation speed and insightful error and warning messages. This book will get you acquainted with the capabilities of Clang, helping you harness its features for performance improvements and modularity by creating custom compiler tools.

While focused on Clang compiler frontend, this book also covers other parts of LLVM, essential to understanding Clang's functionality, to keep up with the constantly evolving LLVM project.

Starting with LLVM fundamentals, from installation procedures to development tools, this book walks you through Clang's internal architecture and its integral role within LLVM. As you progress, you’ll also tackle optimizing compilation performance through features such as C++ modules and header maps.

The later chapters cover tools developed using the Clang/LLVM, including clang-tidy for linting, refactoring tools, and IDE support, and feature many examples to illustrate the material.

By the end of this book, you’ll have a solid understanding of Clang, different Clang Tools, and how to use them to their fullest potential.

What you will learn

• Get to grips with compiler architecture
• Gain an understanding of the inner workings of Clang
• Familiarize yourself with features specific to Clang
• Investigate various techniques for static code analysis
• Acquire knowledge on how to use AST matchers
• Create custom code modification and refactoring tools
• Explore tools for integrating compiler tools with IDEs

Who this book is for

This book is for experienced C++ software engineers who have no prior experience with compiler design but want to gain the knoweldge they need to get up and running. Engineers who want to learn about how Clang works and familiarize themselves with its specific features will also benefit from this book.

Table of Contents

1. Environment Setup
2. Clang Architecture
3. Clang AST
4. Basic Libraries and Tools
5. Clang-Tidy Linter Framework
6. Advanced Code Analysis
7. Refactoring Tools
8. IDE Support and Clangd
9. Appendix 1: Compilation Database
10. Appendix 2: Build Speed Optimizations