Lua源码阅读顺序

1. lmathlib.c, lstrlib.c:

get familiar with the external C API. Don't bother with the pattern matcher though. Just the easy functions.

2. lapi.c:

Check how the API is implemented internally. Only skim this to get a feeling for the code. Cross-reference to lua.h and luaconf.h as needed.

3. lobject.h:

tagged values and object representation. skim through this first. you'll want to keep a window with this file open all the time.

4. lstate.h:

state objects. ditto.

5. lopcodes.h:

bytecode instruction format and opcode definitions. easy.

6. lvm.c:

scroll down to luaV_execute, the main interpreter loop. see how all of the instructions are implemented. skip the details for now. reread later.

7. ldo.c:

calls, stacks, exceptions, coroutines. tough read.

8. lstring.c:

string interning. cute, huh?

9. ltable.c:

hash tables and arrays. tricky code.

10. ltm.c:

metamethod handling, reread all of lvm.c now.

11. lapi.c

12. ldebug.c:

surprise waiting for you. abstract interpretation is used to find object names for tracebacks. does bytecode verification, too.

13. lparser.c, lcode.c:

recursive descent parser, targetting a register-based VM. start from chunk() and work your way through. read the expression parser and the code generator parts last.

14. lgc.c:

incremental garbage collector. take your time.

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Read all the other files as you see references to them. Don't let your stack get too deep though.