The Project Proposal
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Implement segmented stacks inside LLVM. Once this is implemented, instead of having to allocate a worst-case (large) amount of contiguous stack space to each thread, we'll be able to get each thread to allocate stack space in small atomic blocks, as and when more space is required.

The implementation details are attached as a separate file, since I don't want to clutter this up. It has also been sent to llvm-dev.


Why This Project Is Interesting For Me
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I've always been interested in compilers. While this project is interesting in itself (I love working at this level), I look at this as a way to get myself started on making real contributions to the LLVM community.


How The Project Will Be Useful For LLVM
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From the inputs I've received (on the mailing list, and otherwise) this will be useful in the following situations:

 * 32 bit systems and places where assigning more than a certain
   amount of virtual memory to a process may not be possible.
 * Code that uses CPS heavily.
 * Compiling languages like Go on LLVM.


Details Of My Prior Knowledge In Compilers And LLVM In Particular
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I am primarily self-taught. In fact, I've had the rather unusual experience of opening up a (JIT) compiler, getting a nuts-and-bolts idea of how it works, and /then/ reading up the relevant theory.

I have not contributed to LLVM before.


Experience
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I participated in GSoC last year, and worked for the Mono project. I implemented safe points for their GC. I have patches in Mono, V8 and Varnish.


Contact Information
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sanjoy@playingwithpointers.com
http://playingwithpointers.com
http://twitter.com/SCombinator
+91 9775552117