Quadruple Record Structure in Compiler Intermediate Code

In compiler design, quadruple refers to an intermediate-code record format where each instruction is represented as a 4-part record, commonly written as $\\langle op, arg1, arg2, result \\rangle$. This means a quadruple contains four fields, not three or one.
In many courses, this is contrasted with triples (typically 3 fields) and indirect addressing using temporaries, but the key idea for quadruples is that each operation stores both operands and the destination/result separately.

Mermaid view of the record layout:

Key terms:

• Quadruple
• Triples
• Intermediate code
• Three-address code

Solving the given MCQ

Question: “Quadruple is a record structure of (i) three fields (ii) four fields (iii) one field (iv) none of these”

Since a quadruple is the IR record form $\\langle op, arg1, arg2, result \\rangle$, it has exactly four fields.

Correct option: (ii) four fields.

Important caution: sometimes students confuse “quadruple” with “four-address” or with other IR variations. But the standard meaning of quadruple record structure in compiler textbooks is explicitly 4 components (operator, two operands, and result).
[CalloutBlock] below gives a quick mental check.

Mini comparison (common confusion)

Below is a compact comparison that helps distinguish triples from quadruples.

This directly implies:

• Triples → 3 fields
• Quadruple → 4 fields