Program code conversion

A method for generating an intermediate representation of program code written for running on a programmable machine, said method comprising:

• (i) generating a plurality of register objects for holding variable values to be generated by the program code;
• and
• (ii) generating a plurality of expression objects representing fixed values and/or relationships between said fixed values and said variable values according to said program code;
• said intermediate representation being generated and stored for a block of program code and subsequently re-used if the same block of program code is later re-entered, and wherein at least one block of program code can have alternative un-used entry conditions or effects or functions and said intermediate representation is only initially generated and stored as required to execute that block of program code with a then prevailing set of conditions.

A method of dynamically translating first computer program code written for compilation and/or translation and running on a first programmable machine into second computer program code for running on a different second programmable machine, said method comprising:

• (a) generating an intermediate representation of a block of said first computer program code;
• (b) generating a block of said second computer program code from said intermediate representation;
• (c) running said block of second computer program code on said second programmable machine;
• and
• (d) repeating steps a-c in real time for at least the blocks of first computer program code needed for a current emulated execution of the first computer program code on said second programmable machine.

A system for generating an intermediate representation or program code written for running on a programmable machine, the system comprising:

• means for generating a plurality of register objects for holding variable values to be generated by the program code;
• and
• means for generating a plurality of expression objects representing fixed values and/or relationships between said fixed values and said variable values according to said program code;
• and
• means for generating and storing intermediate representation, said intermediate representation being generated and stored for a block of program code and subsequently re-used if the same block of program code is later re-entered, and wherein at least one block of program code can have alternative un-used entry conditions or effects or functions and said intermediate representation is only initially generated and stored as required to execute that block of program code with a then prevailing set of conditions.