I don't understand how LLVM JIT relates to normal no JIT compilation and the documentation isn't good. For example suppose I use the clang front end: Case 1: I compile C file to native with clang/llvm. This flow I understand is like gcc flow - I get my x86 executable and that runs. Case 2: I compile into some kind of LLVM IR that runs on LLVM JIT. In this case the executable contains the LLVM runtime to execute the IR on JIT, or how does it work? What is the difference between these two and are they correct? Does LLVM flow include support for both JIT and non JIT? When do I want to use JIT - does it make sense at all for a language like C?

LLVM jit and native

I don't understand how LLVM JIT relates to normal no JIT compilation and the documentation isn't good.

For example suppose I use the clang front end:

Case 1: I compile C file to native with clang/llvm. This flow I understand is like gcc flow - I get my x86 executable and that runs.
Case 2: I compile into some kind of LLVM IR that runs on LLVM JIT. In this case the executable contains the LLVM runtime to execute the IR on JIT, or how does it work?

What is the difference between these two and are they correct? Does LLVM flow include support for both JIT and non JIT? When do I want to use JIT - does it make sense at all for a language like C?

LLVM jit and native

4 Answers