RISC-V Compiler Engineer Course

This course is tailored for engineers working with RISC-V architectures and those involved in optimizing performance or minimizing code size in applications. It covers the fundamentals and advanced topics of compiler toolchains, with a focus on both LLVM and GCC frameworks. You'll learn through building, debugging, and optimizing applications, making this course vital for compiler engineers, toolchain developers, and anyone looking to enhance their knowledge in compiler technologies within the RISC-V ecosystem.

What Students Will Learn

• Essential concepts of compiler toolchain and cross-compilation.
• Hands-on experience with popular compiler toolchains (LLVM and GCC) to construct RISC-V applications.
• Techniques to debug toolchain issues effectively and efficiently.
• Strategies to optimize applications in terms of performance and code footprint.
• Knowledge about using instrumentation techniques to meet application demands.

Course Prerequisites

Students should be familiar with C/C++ programming, the basics of compilers, and system-level software basics. Proficiency in basic git operations and Linux package installations is also required. An x86-64-based Linux machine is necessary for practicum portions of the course.

Course Outline

• Welcome and course overview.
• Chapter 1: Comprehensive guide to Compiler Toolchains.
• Chapter 2: Deep dive into Compiler Optimizations.
• Chapter 3: Practical session on Building RISC-V Applications.
• Chapter 4: Strategies to Debug Toolchain Issues.
• Final Exam to assess comprehension and application (for verified track students).

Who This Course Is For

• Engineers and architects working on RISC-V processors.
• Compiler and performance engineers looking to deepen their expertise.
• Students and professionals aiming to specialize in systems software.
• Application developers needing to optimize for performance or reduce resource consumption.

Applying Skills in the Real World

Upon completion, participants will be prepared to contribute effectively in roles focused on performance optimization, application development, and toolchain management. They will help meet the burgeoning demand in industries such as IoT, mobile applications, and others where optimized computing resources are crucial. These skills are applicable in settings ranging from data centers to startups working on RISC-V-based devices and systems.