2. Virtual Machine Specification

This chapter contains a description of the virtual machine implemented by avram, from the point of view of a person wishing to write a compiler that generates code for it. Before reading this chapter, readers should at least skim User Manual in order to see the big picture. Topics covered in this chapter include data representations, virtual code semantics, and file formats. A toy programming language is introduced for illustrative purposes. The sections in this chapter might not make sense if read out of order the first time through. The last section, Virtual Code Semantics, contains many equations that may be difficult to read in the info or html renderings. The printed version is recommended for anyone who really wants to comprehend this material.

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