SydML's ANF

ANF is a simple and effective IL for functional languages, alternative to CPS. ANF is used in SydML, coming after Core, and before SSA.

Further reading

• Compiling without continuations Describes ANF and join points as used in GHC.

  • SPJ's talk on the subject.

  • Formalises join points with typing, operational semantics, and syntax.

  • Describes heavyweight optimisations for join points.

  • The paper's implementation allows for recursive join points.

• Original ANF paper: The Essence of Compiling with Continuations

• Colin — Compiling the λ-calculus