Alias Analysis

This section covers the various alias analysis algorithms implemented in Lotus.

Start with Alias Analysis Components for a high-level selection guide. Algorithm pages describe the assumptions and entry points of individual analyses, while the infrastructure pages cover common points-to-set representations, external library specifications, and evaluation metrics. Results depend on the LLVM module and the model of external calls, so use the specification and metrics pages alongside an algorithm page when comparing analyses.

• Alias Analysis Components
  • Analysis Selection Guide
  • Available Analyses
• AllocAA — Allocation-Based AA
  • Overview
  • Algorithm Sketch
  • Strengths and Limitations
  • Usage
• Sparrow Pointer Analysis — Inclusion AA
  • Overview
  • Analysis Modes
  • Constraint Types
  • Optimizations
  • Features
  • Adaptive Context Sensitivity via HVN
  • Usage
• AserPTA — Pointer Analysis
  • Overview
  • Architecture
  • Constraint Types
  • Memory Models
  • Analysis Modes and Options
  • Usage
• BootstrapAA
• CclyzerAA
  • Overview
  • Enabling the Backend
  • C++ API Usage
  • Command-Line Tool
  • See also
• DDA
  • Overview
  • Main components
  • When to use it
  • See also
• DyckAA — Dyck-CFL Analysis
  • Overview
  • Core Idea
  • Algorithm
  • Dyck Language
  • Capabilities
  • Strengths
  • Limitations
  • Usage
  • Advanced Features
• Sea-DSA — Memory Graph AA
  • Overview
  • Memory Graphs
  • Usage
• Flow-Sensitive Pointer Analysis
  • Overview
  • Location
  • Components
  • Usage
• Value-Flow-Based Pointer Analysis
• Overview
• Public API
• Entry points
• Algorithm
• Memory model and limitations
• Command line
• LotusAA — Lotus AA Engine
  • Overview
  • Components
  • Design
  • Path-Sensitive Strong Updates
  • Usage
• UnderApproxAA — Must-Alias Analysis
  • Overview
  • Components
  • Algorithm
  • Characteristics
  • Usage
• DynAA — Dynamic Alias AA
  • Overview
  • Workflow
  • Tools
  • Features and Use Cases
• Strict Relations Alias Analysis — Algorithm
  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Usage
• 1. vSSA / SSI Transformation
• 2. Symbolic Range Analysis
• 3. Strict-Inequality Construction
• 4. Constraint Propagation Solver
• 5. Alias Disambiguation (Final Decision)
• 6. PDG Memory-Node Reduction (Applicability)
• Summary of Properties
• Pointer Analysis Metrics
  • Collected measurements
  • Cost and interpretation
• Points-To Set Backends
  • Common set interface
  • Choosing a representation
• Alias Specification Manager
  • What specifications express
  • Using the manager
• TPA: Flow- and Context-Sensitive Pointer Analysis
  • Overview
  • Architecture
  • Core Components
  • Transfer Functions
  • Context Sensitivity
  • Memory Model
  • Semi-Sparse Representation
  • Analysis Algorithm
  • Usage
  • Integration