LLVM
LLVM is a collection of modular and reusable compiler and toolchain technologies that began as a research project at the University of Illinois. It supports both static and dynamic compilation for various programming languages and is used in both academic and commercial projects.
Services
LLVM offers a suite of modular and reusable compiler and toolchain technologies. This includes support for both static and dynamic compilation, source- and target-independent optimization, and code generation for a wide range of CPUs. Additionally, LLVM provides extensive documentation and APIs, aiding in the rapid development of various components, making it suitable for both academic and commercial projects.
History
LLVM started as a research project at the University of Illinois. Over time, it grew to become a widely-used collection of compiler and toolchain technologies. Notably, LLVM has been recognized for its impact, receiving the ACM Software System Award in 2012.
Products
LLVM encompasses a variety of subprojects and tools, including the Clang compiler for C/C++/Objective-C, the LLDB debugger, and the libc++ standard library. Other notable projects within LLVM include MLIR for compiler infrastructure, OpenMP runtime, polly for optimization, libclc for OpenCL standard library, klee for symbolic execution, LLD linker, and BOLT post-link optimizer. These tools serve a wide array of needs within the compiler and debugging ecosystem.
Community
LLVM boasts a broad and friendly community enthusiastic about building low-level tools. It hosts developer meetings and maintains a community calendar for events, encouraging active participation and collaboration among its users and contributors. The extensive engagement helps sustain its growth and evolution.
Compatibility and Use Cases
LLVM supports the compilation of several programming languages including Ruby, Python, Haskell, Rust, D, PHP, Pure, Lua, and Julia, among others. Its versatility and wide-ranging compatibility make it a favored choice for various applications, from academic research to commercial projects. The platform's ability to generate DWARF debugging information and its Just-In-Time (JIT) code generation capabilities further enhance its usability across different contexts.