Methods to eliminate extra memory loads while accessing global variables in position independent code

Abstract

Methods for reducing memory loads for accessing global variables (globals) when creating executables for position independent (PI) code are disclosed. A first method includes compiling PI code, identifying globals, and determining whether globals are defined in the executable. If a global is not defined in the executable, a definition is created in the executable. A second method includes receiving a list of defined globals from instrumented PI code binary and comparing the list with globals in the PI code. Memory loads are created for globals that are unlisted. A third method includes compiling PI code with special relocations for globals and determining whether globals are defined in the executable. If the global is defined in the executable, the special relocation is replaced with a direct load of the global. If not, the special relocation is replaced with a two-instruction sequence that loads the global's address and then the global's value.