Methods for enhancing pointer analyses

Methods are described that enhance pointer analysis for programs. Whereas previous methods are constrained by the extremes of an inverse relationship between time and information, the present methods selectively unify information so as to allow a desired level of analytical decision within a desired duration of analysis. One aspect of the present invention includes selectively retaining information at a first order of indirection based on variables in an assignment statement while unifying information at subsequent orders of indirection. The methods are used for pointer variables, but are equally useful to function definitions, function calls, function pointers, indirect function calls, and others. The methods may be used in client analysis tools such as code browsers and slicing tools.