inline_asm_rules.md

Mangling Rules

Local Variables (inside functions)

• Integer local: __HTLL_flocal_<func>_<var>
• Array local: __HTLL_flocal_<func>_<var>

Local Variables (inside main)

• Integer local: __HTLL_mlocal_<var>
• Array local: __HTLL_mlocal_<var>

Global Variables

• No mangling — keep original name.

Array Parameters

• Replaced by global buffer: __HTLL_param_<func>_<param>

Return Values

• Array return: global buffer __HTLL_ret_<func>
• Integer return: stored in rax (or a hidden global like __HTLL_ret_int_<func>)

Function Calls

• Before call: copy actual array arguments into __HTLL_param_<func>_<param>.
• After call: if the function returns an array, copy __HTLL_ret_<func> into the target variable.
• If function returns integer: move rax into the target variable.

No Mangling Rules without main.

1. No main keyword → no mangling. Everything keeps its original name. Perfect for simple scripts or when you don't need functions.

2. main keyword present → mangling applies. This happens when you define functions (since you need main as the entry point). Locals inside functions, array parameters, return buffers — all get mangled to avoid collisions.

So the presence of main acts as a flag: "this program has structured functions, so we need name protection."