LLVM
LLVM (originally Low Level Virtual Machine) is a collection of modular and reusable compiler and toolchain technologies used to build compilers, optimizers, and code generators for various programming languages. It provides intermediate representations (IR) that enable language-agnostic optimizations and code generation for multiple target architectures, such as x86, ARM, and RISC-V. LLVM is widely used in both academic research and industrial applications for developing high-performance compilers and development tools.
Developers should learn LLVM when working on compiler design, language implementation, or performance-critical code optimization, as it offers a robust framework for creating custom compilers and static analysis tools. It is essential for projects involving new programming languages, just-in-time (JIT) compilation, or cross-platform development, such as building a compiler for a domain-specific language or optimizing code for embedded systems. LLVM's modularity also makes it valuable for integrating advanced optimizations into existing toolchains, like in the Clang C/C++ compiler.