Intrinsic Functions

Intrinsic functions are a mechanism you can use to get assembly language into your source code without using the asm keyword. Intrinsic functions are not part of the ISO/IEC C or C++ standards. They are an extension provided by the CodeWarrior compilers.

There is an intrinsic function for several common processor op-codes (instructions). Rather than using inline assembly syntax and specifying the op-code in an asm block, you call the intrinsic function that matches the op-code.

When the compiler encounters the intrinsic function call in your source code, it does not actually make a function call. The compiler substitutes the assembly instruction that matches your function call. As a result, no function call occurs in the final object code. The final code is the assembly language instructions that correspond to the intrinsic functions.

• Low-Level Processor Synchronization
  Low-level processor synchronization.
• Absolute Value Functions
  These functions generate inline instructions that take the absolute value of a number.
• Byte-Reversing Functions
  These functions generate inline instructions that can dramatically speed up certain code sequences, especially byte-reversal operations.
• Setting the Floating-Point Environment
  This function lets you change the Floating Point Status and Control Register ( FPSCR). It sets the FPSCR to its argument and returns the original value of the FPSCR.
• Manipulating the Contents of a Variable or Register
  These functions rotate the contents of a variable to the left.
• Data Cache Manipulation
  The intrinsics map directly to Power Architecture assembly instructions.
• Math Functions
  Intrinsic functions for mathematical operations.
• Buffer Manipulation
  Intrinsics that allow control over areas of memory, to manipulate memory blocks.