Independent testing of compiler phases using a test case generator

Since a compiler phase depends on previous phases for input, it can be difficult to do timely independent unit testing of some phases. This can make integration more difficult and reduce overall quality. A test case generator has been used to circumvent this problem by providing an independent source of phase test inputs. Using a context‐free grammar augmented with contextsensitive constructs, a test case generator can generate intermediate language graphs in textual form.