Method and apparatus for decompiling a compiled interpretive code

Abstract

A method and apparatus for decompiling a compiled, interpretive code characterized by the steps of creating an array of names and an array of literals from a plurality of compiled, interpretive code bytes and sequentially converting each code byte into a code fragment utilizing the code byte, the array of names, and the array of literals. Each code fragment is added to a code fragment array. Pattern matching is performed on the code fragment array to produce a source language listing describing a high-level functioning of the code bytes that is readily understood by a programmer. The pattern matching includes a linear sequence of matching steps that are ordered such that matching steps of less ambiguity are performed prior to related matching steps of greater ambiguity. The code fragment array is preferably searched for at least one pattern for each known construct used in the source language, and appropriate source language text is added for matched constructs. The process is preferably implemented on a frame-based pen computer system.

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