Decompiling with Definite Clause Grammars

摘要

Decompiling is the process of deriving a computer program in a high levellanguage from one in machine-code or assembly language. Defense applications of decompiling include maintenance of obsolescent equipment, production of scientific and technical intelligence and assessment of systems for hazards to safety or security. This paper describes an approach to the rapid generation of decompilers through the use of Definite Clause Grammars., a class of abstract grammars which can be executed as prolog programs. The approach is illustrated using toy languages. An environment which permits the integration of diverse sources of knowledge relevant to the decompilation problem and provides a graphical interface is described.