Dynamic Binary Translation

This paper presents an overview of dynamic binary translation. Dynamic binary translation is the process of translating code for one instruction set architecture to code for another on the fly, i.e., dynamically. Dynamic binary translators are used for emulation, migration, and recently for the economic implementation of complex instruction set architectures. Most of the problems occuring in dynamic binary translation are discussed and solutions are presented and weighed against each other. Finally, the dynamic binary translator bintrans, developed by the author, is presented.