Spike overview

Spike is a new DTKS tool for performing code optimization after linking. Because it can operate on an entire program, Spike is able to do optimizations that cannot be done by the compiler.

Some of the optimizations that Spike performs are code layout, deleting unreachable code, and optimization of address computations.   Spike is most effective when it uses profile information to guide optimization.

Spike can process executables and shared objects linked on Tru64 UNIX (formerly Digital UNIX) version 4.0F or later systems. Binaries that are linked on Version 5.1 or later systems contain information that allows Spike to do additional optimization.

Like om, Spike can be invoked as part of the compilation process, by specifying the -spike option with the cc command (or with the cxx, f77, or f90 command, if the associated compiler is installed). In addition, Spike can be invoked on the command line by applying the spike command to a binary file after linking.

Spike V5.2-509, released in Autumn 2002, is the latest release of this product. Review the latest features of the product to find out what's new with this release.

Documentation consists of the spike(1) reference page (included in the Spike kit), the Programmer's Guide (in a separate kit), and online documentation.

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» Download Programmer's Guide kit

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Online documentation