---
title: "Semantic Code Analysis"
authors:
  - "Walter G. Wilson"
  - "Chester C. John"
doi: ""
url: "https://ijcai.org/proceedings/1983/124"
pdf: "https://ijcai.org/proceedings/1983/0124.pdf"
venue: "Proceedings of the Eighth International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence"
year: 1983
pages: "520-524"
track: "Logic Programming"
keywords:
---

# Semantic Code Analysis

Walter G. Wilson, Chester C. John

*Proceedings of the Eighth International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence*, pages 520-524.

## Abstract

Logic progr~mming is applied to code analysis in a large IBM development center. It allows general queries about unmodified assembler programs, including data and control flow analysis. It saved weeks of time over the span of a few months. Unmodified assembler listings are converted into PROLOG clausal notation. The operational semantics of the code is captured partly by analysis rules and partly by interactive dialog . Some implicit relations, such as control flow, are made explicit, for efficiency in subsequent queries. These queries are not restricted. They may encompass anything that is provable from the axioms representing the assembler code. The system proved its potential as substantial foundation for software development assistance.