[cfe-dev] Understanding __builtin_-functions

[via cfe-dev]

> In my code I used the function "__builtin_signbitd64" which I picked up from the GCC list of builtin functions.

As a rule, Clang does not view the GCC list of builtins as a set of API requirements.  Clang generally views builtins as a convenient implementation detail.  Because builtins use a function-like syntax, Clang identifies builtins by name.  If the name doesn't match the list of known builtins, even if the name starts with "__builtin_", Clang will treat it as a normal function.

Intrinsics (e.g. those defined by Intel) are the user-facing API.  They might or might not use builtins in their implementations; over the years I have seen Clang remove many builtins as the optimizers and code generators became better able to select the optimal instruction sequences that previously required builtins.  If there's an intrinsic that does what you want, it should be the stable API.
--paulr

From: cfe-dev [mailto:cfe-dev-bounces at lists.llvm.org] On Behalf Of Gaier, Bjoern via cfe-dev
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2019 6:12 AM
To: 'Clang Dev'
Subject: [cfe-dev] Understanding __builtin_-functions

Hey Clang-Experts,

I'm currently working with Clang-CL based on the LLVM 8.0.0 (is that the right term? Or is it just Clang 8.0.0?) and targeting Windows with 64bit.
In my code I used the function "__builtin_signbitd64" which I picked up from the GCC list of builtin functions.

In my understanding, builtin functions are not really functions, but instead they get replaced with assembly instructions, like intrinsic functions. However, when I printed the resulting assembly code I got:

#DEBUG_VALUE: signbit:_X <- $xmm6
#DEBUG_VALUE: preSqrt <- $xmm6
.cv_inline_site_id 70 within 58 inlined_at 6 588 0
.cv_loc     70 7 312 0              # C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Include\10.0.17134.0\ucrt\corecrt_math.h:312:0
movapd      xmm0, xmm6
call  __builtin_signbitd64
xorpd xmm0, xmm0
test  eax, eax

And later an undefined reference to said "__builtin_signbitd64" function. Why? How do builtin functions work then? What is there purpose?

Kind greetings
Björn
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