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When using formal methods to generate compilers it is desirable for all levels of the compiler to be formally specified. Typically, register allocation has been thought to be equivalent to graph coloring. Since graph coloring is NP-Complete most algorithms for register allocation have been ad-hoc. This paper presents a framework for register allocation that has been formally verified using an inductive theorem prover.

This paper compares the strategic and technical debate about the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) to the ABM debate of 1968–1972. One major difference is the commitment of the President to support SDI; those who apparently influenced the President on this matter came from outside the ranks of his usual military and diplomatic advisers. In Congress, science advisers are less influential now than they were in the past, due to the strengthening of Congressional staffs and agencies, the growth of scientific interest groups, and the dimished novelty of their appearances in Congress. In light of the history of the ABM, the US should be careful to ensure that the financial and technical commitments to SDI do not automatically imply a commitment to deploy a strategic defense system.