Explore a high-performance binary-compatible virtual machine for Python in this 58-minute EuroPython 2012 conference talk by Mark Shannon. Delve into the concept of binary compatibility and learn about an ideal model of the CPython VM. Discover how to make the CPython VM optimizable and its bytecodes atomic. Examine low-level Python optimization techniques in HotPy, including trace management, specialization, redundancy elimination, and deferred object creation. Analyze instruction counts and speed improvements through practical examples and visual representations. Gain insights into customization, tracing, and guards in virtual machine optimization for Python.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Binary Compatibility (Informally)
High Performance
An ideal model of the CPython VM.
Atomic Bytecodes.
The Real CPython VM
Making the CPython VM Optimisable
Making CPython bytecodes atomic
Low-level Python
Optimisation in HotPy
Customisation (1)
Traces and Tracing
Tracing Example (1)
Traces (Output of Tracing)
Guards
Trace Management
Specialisation of Traces
Specialisation Example
Redundancy Elimination
Deferred Object Creation (3)
Deferring Objects
Deferring Example
A pictorial recipe
Example of Optimisation
Instruction Counts
Speed
Conclusions
Taught by
EuroPython Conference
