Function evaluation using multiple values loaded into registers by a single instruction

Abstract

A technique for efficient calling of functions on a processor generates an executable program having a function call by analysing an interface for the function that defines an argument expression and an internal value used solely within the function, and an argument declaration defining an argument value to be provided to the function when the program is run. A data structure is generated including the internal value and a resolved argument value derived from the argument expression and the argument value. A single instruction is encoded in the program to utilise the data structure. When the program is executed on a processor, the single instruction causes the processor to load the argument value and internal value from the data structure into registers in the processor, prior to evaluating the function. The function can then be executed without further register loads being performed.