A Type-checking Preprocessor for Cilk 2, a Multithreaded C Language

This thesis describes the type-checking, optimizing translator that translates Cilk (a C extension language for multithreaded parallel programming) into C. The Cilk-to-C translator is based on C-to-C, a tool I developed that parses, type checks, analyzes, and regenerates a C program. With a translator based on C-to-C, developers and users of C extension languages can enjoy the benefits of a type-checking, optimizing compiler without the attendant development and porting costs. Like a compiler, the Cilk-to-C translator runs quickly, does static checking, and generates efficient code, making it fit for everyday use by ordinary programmers. Unlike a compiler, however, the Cilk-to-C translator is easy to develop, extend, and port to other platforms. About 90% of the development effort was devoted to Cilk semantics (translating Cilk into C), which is where a language developer wants to focus. Only a small amount of work was spent extending C-to-C's parsing, type checking, and data-flow anal..