Control Flow Graph
A Control Flow Graph (CFG) is a graphical representation of all possible paths that a program can take during its execution, used in compiler design and software analysis. It consists of nodes representing basic blocks of code and edges indicating the flow of control between them, such as through branches or loops. CFGs are essential for optimizing compilers, static analysis, and understanding program behavior.
Developers should learn about Control Flow Graphs when working on compiler development, code optimization, or software testing to analyze program structure and identify potential issues like unreachable code or infinite loops. They are particularly useful in static analysis tools for security auditing, performance profiling, and automated test generation, as they provide a formal model of program execution paths.